PM Anwar: Putin may attend Asean Summit in KL

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Russian President Vladimir Putin may attend the upcoming Asean Summit and related meetings, although Moscow has so far only confirmed the participation of its deputy prime minister.

"We have sent him an invitation. He told me in Beijing that he would seriously consider it," Anwar told reporters after attending the Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) Knowledge Forum at a hotel here on Tuesday (Oct 21).

"For now, he’s sending the deputy prime minister. We’ll know by today whether he’s coming. I do see it as likely. He did say he’s keen to come — but let’s see. Officially, only the deputy prime minister is coming for now," he added.

The Asean Summit and related meetings are scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur later this week, bringing together regional leaders and dialogue partners to discuss political, economic, and security issues.