KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming welcomed the leaders of Laos, Singapore and Canada at an official ceremony upon their arrival on Saturday (Oct 25).
Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived on Saturday evening to attend the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, which begins on Sunday (October 26)
The delegation were accorded an official welcome ceremony at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Also present were Siphandone’s spouse, Vandala Siphandone; Wong’s spouse, Loo Tze Lui, and Carney’s spouse, Ms. Diana Fox Carney.
During the reception, Nga presented welcoming gifts to the delegation.
He further expressed his deep honour at being appointed by the Cabinet to serve as minister in attendance for the Singaporean and Laotian leaders during the Asean Summit.
“I am confident that this summit will further strengthen Malaysia’s bilateral ties with Laos, Singapore and Canada,” said Nga.
“Through strong cross-border cooperation, we can work together to achieve lasting prosperity and shared success for all,” he added.
This year’s Asean Summit is expected to host over 30 heads of state and government and leaders from major international organisations, making it one of the largest international summits in Malaysia’s history.
Commenting on the significance of these high-level visits, Nga said China President Xi Jinping’s visit to Malaysia earlier this year and the scheduled arrival of US President Donald Trump tomorrow demonstrate Malaysia’s rising diplomatic stature under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“On Sunday (October 26), Malaysia captured the attention of the world and emerged as an important global partner,” he said.
“This is a rare and invaluable opportunity for our nation, one that we must fully embrace to advance our development,” added Nga.
