The high-profile guest list for the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur is taking shape, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirming that while U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a notable absence.
The confirmation on Wednesday ends days of speculation over Putin's potential visit.
"President Putin has confirmed that he’s not coming. He is exploring the possibility of coming the following year," Anwar told editors at a media briefing. He added that Russia would be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
In another key update, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the related ASEAN-India Summit virtually. Modi conveyed his plans to Anwar during a phone call on Thursday, during which he also congratulated Malaysia on its ASEAN Chairmanship.
The summit, running from October 26-28, will also see the continued exclusion of Myanmar’s leadership. Anwar reiterated the bloc’s firm stance, confirming that acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will not be attending, in line with the five-point consensus on the country's political crisis.
Beyond attendance, Anwar signaled that the growing menace of cross-border online scams will be a prominent feature on the agenda, calling it a threat to the "stability and health" of the region.
On other diplomatic fronts, the Prime Minister praised Japan for its proactive support for the reconstruction of Gaza, an initiative he plans to discuss further with Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi.
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