KUALA LUMPUR: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 47th Asean Summit virtually as the Deepavali celebrations will still be taking place in the country at that time, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said he was informed of this during a phone call from Modi on Wednesday (Oct 22) night.
"I respect his decision and extend my Deepavali greetings to him and the people of India,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (Oct 23).
Anwar said he and Modi also discussed efforts to strengthen Malaysia-India bilateral relations to a more strategic and comprehensive level.
He said India remains an important partner for Malaysia in trade and investment, and the two countries also enjoy close cooperation in technology, education and regional security.
"Malaysia will remain committed to strengthening Malaysia-India relations and further enhancing ASEAN-India cooperation towards a more peaceful and prosperous region,” he said.
The 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits are scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Oct 26 to 28.
More than 30 heads of state and government will gather to discuss regional peace, economic resilience and inclusive growth under Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship 2025 theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability”. - Bernama
