SUBANG JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be meeting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Langkawi to discuss regional strategic issues and Asean developments.
The Prime Minister said the bilateral meeting with Prabowo is scheduled to take place on Dec 23.Anwar’s meeting with Thaksin is expected to take place on Dec 26.
“President Prabowo has chosen to hold this as a bilateral meeting to discuss our views on Asean and its developments,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the upcoming meeting with Prabowo would focus on strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries as well as Indonesia’s crucial role as a strategic Asean member.
“He has strong ties with Asean leaders and extensive experience, both of which will be valuable in addressing several issues,” Anwar said.
Meanwhile, the meeting with Thaksin is expected to address regional development issues and explore diplomatic approaches to tackling common challenges.
On Dec 16, the Prime Minister announced the appointment of Thaksin as his informal adviser on Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean next year.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference with visiting Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is Thaksin’s daughter.
Malaysia will officially assume the Asean chairmanship on Jan 1, 2025.
Malaysia held the Asean chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
Anwar said the meetings with Prabowo and Thaksin reflect Malaysia’s commitment to continuing its crucial role in ensuring that Asean remains relevant and united in facing global challenges.
