KUALA LUMPUR: Russian President Vladimir Putin is considering attending the upcoming ASEAN Summit but only the country’s Deputy Prime Minister has been confirmed to represent Russia for now.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Putin had earlier expressed interest in attending the summit during their recent meeting in Beijing.
“We have sent him an invitation,“ Anwar told reporters after attending the Permodalan Nasional Berhad Knowledge Forum 2025.
“He told me in Beijing that he will seriously consider this, but for now, he is sending the Deputy Prime Minister.”
Anwar added that final confirmation about Putin’s attendance would be known by today.
“I don’t think he is likely to come right now, but he did say he is keen to come, so let’s see.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that officially only the Deputy Prime Minister is coming for now.
The 47th ASEAN Summit themed “Inclusion and Sustainability” is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28.
The summit will see participation from top leaders from the 10 ASEAN member states as well as key dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan and India.
This year’s summit is expected to be the largest event in its history since it was first held in 1976. – Bernama
