PM to meet Lebanon, Kuwait leaders in Riyadh

RIYADH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah in Riyadh today, ahead of the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Nations Summit.

While the agenda has not been disclosed, discussions are expected to focus on escalating Middle East tensions and Israel aggression in the region.

During a private meeting with Mikati, Anwar is anticipated to express Malaysia’s support for Lebanon, which has been impacted by recent attacks by Israel.

Malaysia itself has felt the effects of the regional turmoil. Six members of its peacekeeping force, part of the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) deployed in southern Lebanon, were injured in an Israeli strike earlier this month.

Anwar is also expected to address ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) relations with the Kuwaiti Crown Prince, in light of Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair and its plans to host the ASEAN-GCC Summit next year.

Following these bilateral discussions, Anwar will join other leaders at the Riyadh summit, where he has previously stated his intention to condemn Israeli actions.

He is also expected to raise Malaysia’s recent proposal to expel Israel from the United Nations, a plan he outlined in the parliament last week.

The summit takes place amid a surge in Middle East violence. Israel’s recent escalations have resulted in significant casualties, with Palestinian and Lebanese death tolls rising sharply.

After the summit, Anwar is expected to travel to Egypt to continue his official duties.