KUALA LUMPUR — Regional leaders are arriving in Malaysia ahead of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, with foreign ministers from several Asean member states among the latest delegates to touch down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Prak Sokhonn, arrived at 9.25pm on October 23, followed shortly by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow at 8:30 pm. Earlier that day, Brunei’s Foreign Affairs Minister II, Datuk Seri Setia Erywan Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Mohd Yusof, landed at 8.24pm, and the Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, touched down at 4.50pm.
On October 24, the arrivals continued, with Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, landing at 9:50 am, followed by Indonesian Foreign Minister, Sugiono, and Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, who arrived at 11:48 am.
The arrival of foreign ministers from Asean member states and dialogue partner countries will continue over the next few days, with heads of state and government expected to arrive shortly before the summit begins this weekend.
Among the leaders scheduled to arrive tomorrow are Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Under Malaysia’s 2025 Asean Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the summit is expected to be one of the largest in Asean’s history, providing an important platform to enhance regional cooperation and address global challenges collectively.
This summit will also mark a significant step for Timor-Leste as it nears formalisation of its accession as Asean’s 11th member, a process anticipated to be concluded during the summit on October 26.
This is the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the Asean Chair since the bloc’s establishment in 1967, following previous terms in 2015, 2005, 1997, and 1977. – October 24, 2025