World Leaders Congratulate Anwar On His Appointment As PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Congratulatory messages are pouring in from world leaders for Anwar Ibrahim on his appointment as Malaysia’s new Prime Minister. The first congratulatory message came from Indonesian President Joko Widodo. According to Anwar in his official Facebook page, the President, widely known as Jokowi had called to congratulate him after he was sworn in as the country’s 10th prime minister. Anwar in his phone conversation had described Indonesia as a true friend to Malaysia and hoped that the two countries could improve relations in various aspects including trade and investment. "I emphasise that Indonesia is Malaysia's true friend and I hope that trade and business relations, investment, culture and labour issues can be improved. The friendship between the two must be strengthened," said Anwar. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had also sent his congratulatory message to Anwar. In a letter to Anwar which was later shared with the media, he wrote: “My warmest congratulations on your victory in the 15th General Election and on being sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister,” said Lee in his congratulatory letter to Anwar. “Congratulations also to Pakatan Harapan (PH) for its strong performance in the General Election”. Lee said that he looked forward to meeting Anwar soon, “to discuss the common issues facing the two countries and how we can further advance our bilateral relationship”. “Ho Ching and I wish you and Dr Wan Azizah Ismail good health and happiness,” he added. Lee noted that Anwar’s premiership comes amidst significant challenges in “our regional and global environment”. “As close neighbours and friends, Singapore and Malaysia should work together to manage these challenges and explore new opportunities for cooperation,” he said. Anwar also received a congratulatory call from Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday night. In the conversation that lasted about 10 minutes, Anwar expressed hope that Malaysia and Turkiye would strengthen ties and cooperation in many areas including trade, business, culture, education and military. The prime minister told the media in his first press conference that Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah had also congratulated him. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his congratulatory message to Anwar said: "I look forward to working closely together to further strengthen the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership". Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a tweet also extended his felicitations to Anwar on becoming prime minister. "I look forward to working closely with him to further deepen the longstanding fraternal ties between our two friendly countries," Shehbaz said. In other congratulatory messages, Afghanistan's interim government said it wished the new Malaysian prime minister success during his tenure. "Afghanistan and Malaysia are fraternal Islamic nations that have friendly relations since 1957. Malaysia has a special place in IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) foreign policy and we stand ready for joint work with the new government in a number of areas," the Foreign Ministry said. Anwar, 75, took the oath of office as the 10th Prime Minister before the King Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara (National Palace) on Thursday. -- BERNAMA