SAN FRANCISCO: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's presence at the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) from Nov 14 to 17 will be marked by efforts to enhance bilateral relations, seal high-value investments, and draw attention to the Palestinian situation.
Apart from engaging with leaders to improve economic ties, the prime minister aims to conclude significant investments for Malaysia during his busy schedule. Anwar will also advocate for global support and a just resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasising humanitarian access.
Under the Madani economy framework, he will share Malaysia's priorities, focusing on inclusivity, sustainable development, and cooperation for shared prosperity.
Anwar is also scheduled to have one-on-one meetings with prominent American business leaders on the sidelines of the AELM, aimed at finalising high-value investments and creating quality job opportunities for Malaysians.
Anwar's bilateral meetings with Apec leaders will seek to explore and strengthen cooperation across various areas for mutual benefit.
The prime minister is also expected to witness the signing of an agreement between BlackBerry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on cybersecurity cooperation.
A highlight of the visit is Anwar's scheduled delivery of a public lecture to students and scholars at the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on "Superpower Rivalry and Rising Tensions in the Asia-Pacific – The View from Southeast Asia."
Providing an overview of the geopolitical situation, Anwar will touch on democracy, constitutional liberties, and Islamophobia.
Before his return, Anwar will meet with the Malaysian diaspora and students in San Francisco during a dinner event.
Accompanying Anwar on this trip are his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir; Minister of Communications and Digital Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil, along with other senior government officials.
As the Apec Chair for 2023, the United States will host the AELM for the third time.
This year, President Joseph R. Biden will chair the AELM and is expected to lead in-depth discussions with Apec leaders on topics centred around strengthening economic ties; enhancing inclusivity and
sustainability; and bolstering economic resilience and complexity; in line with the theme of Apec 2023, "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All".
The 30th AELM is expected to adopt the Apec Leaders' 2023 Golden Gate Declaration, and advance efforts reflecting Apec economies' commitment to address global challenges towards realising the Apec Putrajaya Vision 2040.
The adoption of the Golden Gate Declaration is imperative as it underscores the unity and cooperation among Apec economies, particularly in light of ongoing concerns relating to, among others, the climate crisis and disruption of supply chains.
While in San Francisco, Anwar will also participate in the Apec Economic
Leaders' Informal Dialogue with guests, namely with the leaders of Colombia, Fiji and India; the Apec Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Dialogue with Apec Economic Leaders; and the Apec 2023 CEO Summit.
These events will serve as an opportunity for Anwar to articulate Malaysia's perspectives on the current global economy and exchange views on pressing regional issues with influential CEOs, entrepreneurs and also Apec Leaders.
Apec is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific.
The 21 Apec member economies account for nearly 40 per cent of the global population, nearly 50 per cent of global trade, and more than 60 per cent of US goods exports.
Apec's 21 member economies are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taipei, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.