Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says his upcoming meeting with US president Donald Trump will focus on strengthening Malaysia’s trade and investment ties while advocating peace and justice in Palestine.
At a question-and-answer session at the PNB Knowledge Forum here today, Anwar said he had spoken to Trump twice over the phone and described the US leader as “cordial” and “very supportive”.
“We had exchanges, phone calls, twice. He has been extremely cordial, very supportive. He listens quite well,” he said
He said the meeting would be an opportunity to advance Malaysia’s economic interests and share his views on broader global issues.
“I want to make use of this opportunity, of course, to protect the interests of Malaysia in trade and investments, but also to express some of my personal views on what I think will be good for Malaysia, for the US, and for the world,” he said.
Anwar also said he intends to commend Trump’s efforts in halting the bombings in Gaza, while stressing that any lasting peace must ensure justice and recognition of Palestinian rights.
“Whatever reservations you may have, you must commend the fact that Trump did a major service in stopping illicit bombings in Gaza.
“But our challenge, of course, is to ensure that peace prevails, justice prevails, and ultimately, the legitimate interests and aspirations of the Palestinians are fulfiled and they are accorded their rights,” he said.
Earlier today, Trump confirmed that he would soon travel to Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, while expressing his desire “to be good to China”.
Despite renewed trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, he struck an optimistic tone ahead of a possible meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in South Korea, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported.
“We’re going to have a fair deal. I want to be good to China. I love my relationship with President Xi,” Trump told reporters after meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House.
His comment marks the first time Trump has publicly spoken about his plans to visit Malaysia and Japan, though no further details were provided.
