KUALA LUMPUR — Russian President Vladimir Putin is considering attending the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur this weekend, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking to reporters, Anwar confirmed that Putin had shown interest in joining the summit, with a final decision expected later today.
“He told me in Beijing that he would seriously consider this. For now, he is sending his deputy prime minister. But we will know by today whether he is coming or not. I think it is likely, as he said he is keen to come,” Anwar said.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump also made headlines with his announcement of upcoming visits to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.
Trump expressed his desire to “be good to China,” despite ongoing trade tensions, as he discussed his upcoming trip ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week.
“We’re going to have a fair deal. I want to be good to China. I love my relationship with President Xi,” Trump stated during a press briefing with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Trump confirmed his itinerary, stating, “We thought that would be a good place to meet, and we’re going to be meeting. I’ll be in Malaysia, I’ll be in Japan.”
This marks the first time Trump has publicly confirmed his visits to both Malaysia and Japan.
Japanese government sources revealed that Trump is expected in Japan on October 27, where he will stay for three days before concluding his trip in South Korea.
This will be Trump’s first visit to the region since beginning his second term in office. – October 21, 2025