Did Trump Thank PM Ibrahim for Ending Cambodia-Thailand Conflict During His Malaysia Visit?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump's visit highlights the importance of diplomacy in international relations.
- Malaysia plays a crucial role in fostering peace in Southeast Asia.
- The ASEAN Summit facilitates collaboration among South Asian leaders.
- In-person meetings are vital for achieving meaningful agreements.
- Trump's tariff policies have implications for US allies in the region.
Washington, Oct 26 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump touched down in Malaysia on Saturday, marking the beginning of his inaugural journey to Asia during his second term.
After nearly a day’s travel with two refueling stops, Air Force One landed in Kuala Lumpur just before 10 a.m. local time on Sunday.
Trump stated that his visit to Kuala Lumpur aims to express gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for Malaysia's role in resolving the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
A red carpet was laid out on the tarmac, and shortly, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will greet Trump with an official arrival ceremony, providing the President with the grandeur he appreciates.
Malaysia is the host of the ASEAN Summit, which assembles leaders from South Asia.
“Malaysia assisted us. One of the reasons I’m visiting Malaysia is due to their significant involvement in the entire matter -- particularly with Thailand,” Trump shared with reporters aboard Air Force One.
He further remarked: “I told the leader of Malaysia, who is a commendable individual, ‘I believe I owe you a visit,’ and that’s why we are making a stop in Malaysia.”
Trump is slated to join leaders from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand to formalize the peace agreement later on Saturday.
On this trip, Trump will utilize the strength of in-person diplomacy as he engages with former rivals, new allies, and possibly adversaries, aiming to forge agreements with significant economic and national security consequences.
However, Trump's affinity for tariffs—similar to his unpredictable approach to international relations—has created uncertainty among previously stable US allies in the region, presenting a considerable challenge as to whether the Art of the Deal author can deliver.
Trump's arrival in Malaysia comes late Saturday (Sunday morning local time) as part of a six-day, three-nation itinerary after redefining the US's global role—a position he is striving to maintain against the growing influence of China worldwide.
The America First President boasts of what he claims are resolutions to eight conflicts, including a tenuous ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas situation, and employs his tariff strategy as a bargaining tool.
Additionally, he mentioned that the most challenging conflict to resolve—the Russia-Ukraine war—will be discussed during the most critical meeting of this trip, alongside Xi Jinping, the leader of China, with whom the US is engaged in an ongoing trade dispute.
Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur, Trump plans to sign a peace treaty between Cambodia and Thailand, as he indicated on Saturday.