KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today received a courtesy call from Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn in Putrajaya to discuss preparation and coordination issues ahead of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship next year.
Anwar said the role and support of the Asean secretariat was crucial to ensure Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship runs smoothly.
"Alhamdulillah, Malaysia's preparedness to shoulder this responsibility is now in the final stages," he posted on Facebook.
He said Malaysia's priority during its Asean Chairmanship will be to strengthen regional peace, stability and prosperity, besides boosting trade and investment among Asean member states, expanding Asean economic cooperation and promoting inclusive growth and development.
"Our talks also touched on the satisfactory progress in drafting the Asean Community Vision 2045 Strategic Plan as well as other Asean-related affairs," said Anwar.
The prime minister also welcomed the presence of the secretariat team and the entire delegation of Asean member states to Malaysia next year.– Bernama