Xi Jinping, Apec leaders lauded Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, says PM Anwar

GYEONGJU, Nov 1 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mentioned the spirit of Asean was clearly mirrored at this yr’s Asia-Pacific Financial Cooperation (Apec) Financial Leaders’ Assembly, as world leaders — together with Chinese language President Xi Jinping — personally congratulated him on Malaysia’s success in internet hosting the forty seventh Asean Summit, which concluded on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister mentioned Apec leaders have been additionally interested by how Malaysia, as Asean Chair on the time, employed ‘comfortable diplomacy’ to steadiness the regional bloc’s relations with each the US and China.

“President Xi conveyed his warmest congratulations to us on Asean’s success, as did almost all of the Apec leaders. I used to be deeply moved that leaders from the US, China, and even so far as Mexico, when assembly me, instantly expressed their admiration for Asean’s achievements, together with our efforts in fostering peace in Cambodia and Thailand.

“In addition they requested how Asean managed to steadiness the ability of the US and China with that of different growing and rising nations,” he instructed reporters at a press convention after wrapping up his three-day working go to for the Apec Financial Leaders’ Assembly (AELM) right here at this time.

In the meantime, International Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan mentioned the appreciation proven by Apec leaders mirrored Malaysia’s credibility on the worldwide stage. He famous that the Prime Minister’s presence within the leaders’ holding room drew the eye of many world leaders, demonstrating the excessive stage of respect for Malaysia’s management.

“When the Prime Minister entered the leaders’ ready room, he grew to become the centre of consideration. Many leaders approached him to talk and alternate views. This reveals the popularity and respect accorded to Malaysia’s position,” he added.

Additionally current was Minister of Funding, Commerce and Trade Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump, in his speech on the Apec CEO Summit Korea 2025, praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s management, acknowledging Malaysia’s key position in brokering the peace settlement between Thailand and Cambodia.

This sentiment was reiterated throughout a bilateral assembly with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent yesterday.

Anwar mentioned Asean’s rising financial energy and dedication to sustainability and inclusivity have been among the many key factors mentioned with Apec leaders.

“That is aligned with what was outlined within the Putrajaya Imaginative and prescient 2040, which Apec adopted earlier, and is being additional developed throughout the discussion board’s broader financial framework. I additionally emphasised that if we really want to strengthen the spirit of multilateral unity and increase free commerce relations, our position should embody constructing wider networks that attain past Apec — ­involving Africa and Latin America as effectively,” he added.

Malaysia has been a founding member of Apec since 1989. In 2023, Apec economies accounted for 78 per cent of Malaysia’s whole commerce, amounting to RM2.6 trillion.

Apec, an off-the-cuff and versatile consultative discussion board, represents 21 member economies that collectively account for almost 60 per cent of world GDP and 47 per cent of world commerce.

This yr’s gathering marks 20 years for the reason that Republic of Korea final hosted the AELM in Busan in 2005. — Bernama