5-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, expressed optimism about the potential for expanded relations between Malaysia and Indonesia across various domains, including trade, the economy, and the promotion of arts and culture.
During the 43rd ASEAN Summit, Malaysia’s focus on enhancing its economy and bilateral connections will also encompass the vibrant cultural and artistic exchange between the two nations.
Anwar explained, “Under the Madani concept, besides discussions of boosting diplomatic cooperation with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, I managed to take some time to meet with various people, including investors and entrepreneurs. I also got the chance to meet celebrities and influencers here and learn from their experiences. Our discussions involve bilateral ties as well as ways to empower arts and culture.”
The Prime Minister shared these insights with reporters following his participation in the Santai Bersama Anwar program.
At the event, Anwar engaged with Indonesian and Malaysian influencers and celebrities such as Nur Fazura, Mulan Jameelah, Kartika Putri, and Melly Goeslow.
In an additional statement, the Prime Minister emphasized that Malaysia’s involvement in the summit would further reinforce the principle of ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific region. Malaysia is committed to fostering inclusivity and openness in its relationships with all its partners. Anwar expressed his hope that this platform would promote unity, security, and stability while addressing the evolving regional geopolitical landscape’s challenges and diversity.
He added, “In addition to official programs and events, I will also meet with friends in Indonesia through the ‘Program Temu Anwar,’ which is being held outside of Malaysia for the first time. May everything proceed smoothly, God willing.”
Earlier, Anwar attended a pre-council meeting in preparation for the summit. He arrived in Langkawi at 3:28 pm (local time) with his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, leading the Malaysian delegation to the summit and related summits beginning today.
Indonesian Communications and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi welcomed the Prime Minister upon his arrival.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, along with Malaysia’s ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin, were also present.
The 43rd ASEAN Summit, taking place until Thursday, is the second summit this year, following the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
This summit marks Anwar’s first encounter with the seven ASEAN dialogue partners: Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the United States, and Canada. He has 11 bilateral meetings scheduled during the summit, including with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, United States Vice-President Kamala Harris, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Today, Anwar will participate in the summit’s opening ceremony, engage in the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum, and meet with the Malaysian diaspora during the Temu Anwar event. Tomorrow, he will participate in six summits, including the Asean-Canada Strategic Partnership launch.
The summit’s final day will feature four summits: Asean-India, Asean-East Asia, Asean-Australia, and Asean-United Nations meetings.
