Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Attends Asean Summits in Laos
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, has arrived in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, to participate in the 44th and 45th Asean Summits and Related Summits. Here are the key highlights of his visit:
Arrival and Welcome
- Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s aircraft landed at Wattay International Airport at 8.37pm local time.
- He was greeted by Laos’ Agriculture and Forestry Minister Linkham Douangsavanh and director-general of the Diplomatic Services Bureau Vilatsone Visonenavong.
- Also in attendance were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, and Malaysia’s Ambassador to Laos Edi Irwan Mahmud.
Summits Attended
- In addition to the Asean Summits, the Prime Minister will participate in Plus One Summits between Asean and seven Dialogue Partners.
- These partners include Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, United States, and Canada, as well as the Asean Plus Three Summit, East Asia Summit, and Asean-United Nations Summit.
- He will also attend the Asia Zero Emission Community Leaders Meeting and Asean Leaders’ Interface Sessions with representatives of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Asean Business Advisory Council, and Asean Youth.
Key Discussions
- Malaysia will share its perspective on various issues, including Asean community-building efforts and the Asean Community Vision 2045.
- Discussions will also focus on regional peace and stability, regional economic integration, green economy, new and emerging technologies, energy transition, and food security.
- Other topics of interest include Timor-Leste’s progress towards full membership of Asean, Asean’s relations with external partners, the South China Sea, and developments in Myanmar, Palestine, and the Middle East.
Closing Ceremony
- During the closing ceremony, Laos as the current Chair of Asean will pass on the Asean Chairmanship to Malaysia.
- The Prime Minister will deliver remarks outlining Malaysia’s vision as the new Chair of Asean.
- Malaysia is set to officially assume the Asean chair on Jan 1, 2025.
In conclusion, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s participation in the Asean Summits in Laos signifies Malaysia’s commitment to regional cooperation and collaboration. The discussions and exchanges of views during these summits will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Asean and its relations with external partners. Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of Asean in 2025 will further solidify its role in the region and provide opportunities for strategic leadership and engagement.