KUALA LUMPUR: World leaders have expressed interest in participating in the Asean summits in Malaysia this year, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says.
The Prime Minister said this was expressed by his counterparts during his week-long tour that covered Italy, France and Brazil last week.
“(Foreign Minister) Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan complained, because everywhere we go, leaders say they want to at least participate in Asean if they can’t join,” he quipped.
“We are very likely to have South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joining, representing their regions,” Anwar during his opening remarks around the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers (AMM) meeting at KL on Wednesday (July 9).
Anwar had touched down in KL at 3am on Wednesday after returning from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Commenting on his tour, Anwar said many of his counterparts enquired about Asean.
“Without exception, all of them asked about Asean, they all recognised the role of Asean.
“Asean has now achieved a spectacular position internationally and I must thank you all, particularly the foreign ministers.
“So, welcome to KL for the 58th AMM meeting,” said Anwar.
In a separate matter, Anwar addressed the Cambodian-Thailand border dispute, describing the incident as “unfortunate”.
“Even the unfortunate incident between Cambodia and Thailand, of which most Asean leaders expressed concern. We have no inhibition to immediately call our colleagues in both countries to express our concern and to support all endeavours to secure lasting peace,” he added.
The 58th AMM will be held until this Friday (July 11).
