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Trump to attend Asean summit after call with Malaysia’s Anwar
Trump’s presence at the October summit will mark his first appearance at the diplomatic bloc’s key leaders’ meeting after years of no-shows
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US President Donald Trump will attend the Asean summit in October, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday, marking the American leader’s first trip to the regional bloc’s key meeting since his return to office.
Trump confirmed his attendance at the 10-member regional bloc during a phone call early on Thursday morning, Anwar said, during which the US president also congratulated Malaysia for its role in brokering a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand over a border dispute.
The two leaders also discussed Trump’s incoming tariffs and free trade, Anwar said.
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“After our discussions, he said he has decided to push back his tariff announcement to tomorrow, and he promised it will not be a burden to Malaysia’s economy,” Anwar told parliament.
“President Trump also confirmed that he will attend the Asean summit in October.”
It will mark the first time that Trump has been to an Asean leaders’ meeting, signalling a shift in policy after shunning the event during his first presidency, when he opted to send envoys in his place.
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