KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be undertaking a four-day working visit to California in the US tomorrow onwards to attend the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
“Throughout the prime minister’s engagement with Apec Economic Leaders and at the various multilateral and bilateral platforms, he aims to highlight the Palestinian situation, to advocate global support, humanitarian access and a just resolution to the conflict.
“The prime minister will also take the opportunity to share Malaysia’s priorities and principles under the Madani Economy Framework, emphasising inclusivity, sustainable development and cooperation for shared prosperity,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement today.
During his trip, Anwar is also set to participate in the Apec Economic Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests, namely with the leaders of Colombia, Fiji and India; the Apec Business Advisory Council Dialogue with Apec Economic Leaders and the Apec 2023 CEO Summit.
“These events will serve as an opportunity for the prime minister to articulate Malaysia’s perspectives on the current global economy and exchange views on pressing regional issues with influential CEOs, entrepreneurs and esteemed Apec leaders.”
As a founding economy of Apec, Malaysia’s active engagement during the meeting underscores its commitment towards deepening economic cooperation, enhancing economic prosperity as well as fostering equitable and inclusive development for all.
On the sidelines of the event, Anwar is also scheduled to have one-on-one meetings with prominent American business leaders to finalise high-value investment which would create high-quality job opportunities in Malaysia.
He is also expected to witness the exchange of an agreement between BlackBerry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on cybersecurity cooperation.
Besides that, Anwar will deliver a public lecture at the University of California in Berkeley on “Superpower Rivalry and Rising Tensions in the Asia-Pacific – The View from Southeast Asia,” which will touch on democracy, constitutional liberties and Islamophobia.
Prior to his return here, Anwar will be meeting with Malaysian diaspora and students in San Francisco in a dinner event.
The prime minister will be accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil as well as other senior government officials.
Last week, Anwar acknowledged that while the decision for Malaysia to attend the Apec meeting might not be welcomed by certain quarters, the best interests of the nation must be prioritised.
“Even though we don’t support the US’ stand (on Israel), we also need to take care of peace and diplomatic ties.
“This decision might not sit well with some quarters, but don’t say I’m pro-Israel. As prime minister, I have to attend, to guard our country’s security and economic interests. I will not move from our stand (on Palestine),” Anwar, who is also finance minister, said on November 7.
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who is also the Machang MP, had previously raised in the Dewan Rakyat the issue of a boycott of the meeting. – November 13, 2023