By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 – U.S. President Donald J. Trump departed Kuala Lumpur this morning for Tokyo following a high-profile visit to Malaysia that coincided with the opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had a brief meeting with Trump before his departure. “Had the opportunity once again to hold a brief meeting with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, before his departure to Tokyo, Japan,” Anwar wrote on Facebook.
Trump praised Malaysia as “a great and very vibrant country,” highlighting the outcomes of his visit. On X, he posted:
“Just leaving Malaysia, a great and very vibrant Country. Signed major Trade and Rare Earth Deals, and yesterday, most importantly, signed the Peace Treaty between Thailand and Cambodia. NO WAR! Millions of lives saved. Such an honor to have gotten this done. Now, off to Japan!!!”
Why Trump Came to Kuala Lumpur
Trump’s visit to Malaysia was part of his Asia tour and a centerpiece of the ASEAN Summit’s opening day. Alongside Anwar, he witnessed the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand — a landmark agreement committing both sides to a ceasefire and monitored de-escalation through an ASEAN Observer Team.
In addition, Trump held bilateral talks with Anwar that led to a new Malaysia–U.S. trade agreement, including provisions for rare earth cooperation. Cambodia and Thailand also signed separate tariff deals with Washington during the summit.
The twin outcomes of peace diplomacy and economic engagement reinforced Malaysia’s chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” while cementing ASEAN’s role as both mediator and marketplace.
With Trump now en route to Japan, Kuala Lumpur’s profile as a diplomatic hub has been significantly elevated by the summit’s historic first day. – TNS NEWS