PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to resolve the Gaza conflict, describing it as a beacon of hope for lasting and just peace, while affirming ASEAN’s support for continued American engagement in the region.
MALAYSIA has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to maintain his commitment to promoting peace in global conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the American leader’s comprehensive plan.
“I am truly pleased, Mr President, to have heard directly from you how determined you are to ensure peace in regions that are the hardest to reconcile – almost impossible – yet you have managed to make it happen,” Anwar said on Sunday.
“We have shown our support and continue to call on the United States, particularly, to persist with these efforts with the backing not only of neighbouring countries but of the entire world,” he added.
Anwar made the remarks after joining Trump to witness the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings.
The Malaysian leader also recounted a candid discussion with Trump after being invited to ride in the U.S. President’s official vehicle, The Beast.
“When the President arrived, he asked me to join him in his car. I told him it was against security protocol, but he was quite happy to bend the rules… it was a pleasant ride,” Anwar said. “I must also share that I took full advantage of that opportunity – without the knowledge of Secretary of State Marco Rubio – to discuss other matters as well.”
Trump’s visit to Malaysia marks the first by a U.S. President in a decade and his maiden trip to the country, coinciding with the 13th ASEAN–U.S. Summit and the 20th East Asia Summit, both held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Anwar highlighted ASEAN’s support for Trump’s Gaza plan, calling it a “beacon of hope” that demonstrates diplomacy and determination can overcome even the most intractable conflicts.
“Regarding Gaza, we welcome your comprehensive plan to end the conflict. It has given the world a new ray of hope, showing that even in the most difficult conflicts, diplomacy and determination can still overcome all differences,” he said during the ASEAN–U.S. Summit opening remarks.
He further emphasised the growing economic ties between ASEAN and the United States, noting that last year bilateral trade reached a record US$453 billion, supporting employment and business across both regions.
“ASEAN and the United States have also agreed to adopt the Joint ASEAN–US Vision Statement to strengthen commitments towards deeper, safer, and more prosperous cooperation,” Anwar added. “This statement reflects our determination to convert collaboration into tangible outcomes with clear benefits for both regions.”
The summit, hosted in Kuala Lumpur from 26 to 28 October, marks Malaysia’s final term as ASEAN Chair before the role is handed over to the Philippines in 2026, with joint declarations expected to set regional priorities on peace, prosperity, and sustainable growth. - October 26, 2025
