A gathering of ASEAN, GCC, and China leaders marks a fresh chapter in regional economic interconnections, according to Anwar.
**May 27, KUALA LUMPUR - In a show of international diplomacy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, for hosting leaders of ASEAN, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, China, and Timor-Leste at a Royal Luncheon at Istana Negara today.
In a Facebook post, Anwar acknowledged the significant role of Sultan Ibrahim, the head of state, in improving Malaysia's diplomatic standing, particularly during this crucial period as the nation hosts the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
"The proactive role of His Majesty in lifting Malaysia's diplomatic standing is profoundly significant and forms a strong foundation for our country's close ties with international partners," the prime minister wrote.
Attendees included ASEAN leaders such as Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Representatives from China, Timor-Leste, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were also present.
The 46th ASEAN Summit, which commenced on May 26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, continues today with the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. These high-level dialogues providing a platform for leaders from member states to deliberate on regional developments and chart the future course of the regional grouping.
The 46th ASEAN Summit is being held under the ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," and this year marks the fifth time Malaysia is chairing ASEAN, following its previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
According to available records, this 46th ASEAN Summit took place in May 2025, not 2023 as initially assumed. For details about the 2023 summit, please refer to other sources or the official ASEAN website for historical summit details.
- The general news reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in the 46th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on May 27, 2025, thanked His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, for his role in strengthening Malaysia's international ties with ASEAN and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, China, and Timor-Leste.
- In response to the event, Anwar posted on Facebook acknowledging the significant role of Sultan Ibrahim in improving Malaysia's diplomatic standing, including during the crucial period of hosting the ASEAN Summit.
- Despite initial assumptions, this 46th ASEAN Summit took place in May 2025, and the 2023 summit details can be found in other sources or the official ASEAN website for historical summit information.
