KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today emphasised Malaysia’s strategic position and role in regional diplomacy during the opening of the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he highlighted the significance of President Donald Trump‘s visit to Malaysia, describing it as “an important moment in reaffirming our long-standing relations with the United States and our shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity.”
“Our meeting was grounded in respect for our mutual interests, renewing trade dialogue, advancing supply-chain and critical-minerals cooperation, and reaffirming Asean’s central role in shaping Asia-Pacific engagement,” he added.
Anwar noted that the visit underlined Malaysia’s position as a neutral, dependable and effective partner, stressing that the country’s diplomatic approach is not an endorsement of any power bloc but a demonstration of how it can serve as a bridge for economies, facilitate dialogue, and contribute to stability.
He pointed to the recent signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand as “a clear example of how our strategic diplomatic role adds value to the region.”
Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to closely monitor the implementation of agreements.
“We will ensure our people benefit from trade access and safeguard Malaysia’s interests and autonomy,” he said.
He reiterated that Malaysia’s stance remains rooted in the principles of peace, prosperity and integrity, and emphasised the importance of working closely with friends and neighbours to foster regional stability.
“Together, we will chart a path that honours our traditions, embraces the future, and serves the well-being of all Malaysians and the people of Asean,” he concluded.
Trump arrived in Malaysia on Sunday morning and was greeted with a guard of honour and a red-carpet welcome.
His visit began with the brokering of a peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand, with the United States serving as an observer and Malaysia facilitating the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord as Asean chair.
That was followed by a bilateral meeting between Trump and Anwar, where both leaders signed the landmark 17-point US-Malaysia Reciprocal Trade Agreement.
The deal aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties, expand market access, and enhance supply chain resilience.
Trump departed Malaysia for Japan yesterday at 10.13am, marking the end of his one-day trip here.
The trip was his first visit to the Southeast Asian region since taking office as the 47th President of the United States in January 2025.
Trump is the third US president in history to visit Malaysia, after Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966 and Barack Obama in 2014 and 2015.
