MANILA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will lead the Malaysian delegation to the 30th Asean Summit and related meetings from April 26 to 29 in Metro Manila.
Najib, scheduled to arrive here tomorrow, will be accompanied by Datin Sri Rosmah Mansor, Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, and ministry officials.
“This year marks Asean’s Golden Jubilee, as Asean will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Since its inception in 1967, Asean has achieved many milestones, among them the establishment of the Asean Community in 2015,” Foreign Affairs Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ramlan Ibrahim said.
Speaking at a press conference with Malaysian media here today, he said this year’s theme -- “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World” -- reflects the Philippine government’s advocacy to promote unity with and among Asean member states and its global partners.
Asean members are Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Ramlan said the summit will provide leaders the opportunity to exchange views on the future direction of Asean, the conduct of external relations as well as regional and international issues of interest and concern.
In addition to attending the summit, Najib will also chair the 10th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit as well as attend the 12th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, to be chaired by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The prime minister is also expected to deliver a keynote address at the Prosperity For All Summit, organised by the Asean Business Advisory Council. The event will focus on driving growth through micro and small entrepreneurs in trade, services, and agriculture. The Summit aims to pursue genuine and inclusive growth and prosperity for the entire Asean community,” Ramlan added.