U.S. President Donald Trump departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 10:06 a.m. today, concluding his two-day visit to Malaysia, his first since resuming office earlier this year. His visit coincided with the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Interior Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was at KLIA to bid Trump farewell, while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Saifuddin, and U.S. Embassy representatives, including Ambassador Edgard D. Kagan, had earlier greeted him at his hotel in the capital.
During his stay, Trump and Anwar witnessed the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, aimed at ending decades-long disputes between Thailand and Cambodia. The agreement, signed under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, also established an ASEAN Observer Team to ensure long-term stability along the border. Trump praised Anwar as a historic figure for successfully mediating the peace process.
In addition, Trump held bilateral talks with Anwar, during which they signed the Malaysia-U.S. Reciprocal Trade Agreement and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, designed to strengthen cooperation in technology, energy, and critical minerals. The signing ceremony included light-hearted moments, with Anwar jokingly referring to Trump’s pen as the “White House pen,” reflecting the cordial relationship between the leaders.
Trump also attended the 13th ASEAN-U.S. Summit, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Southeast Asia and pledging continued partnership in trade, investment, and regional security. He described the region as a priority for the “American golden era” and praised Malaysia for its leadership and hospitality under Anwar’s administration.
Highlighting his short but impactful visit, Trump recounted experiences in Malaysia, including a ride in the presidential vehicle, “The Beast,” and hailed the new trade agreements with Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand as potential boosters for the regional economy. He emphasized collaboration in AI, green technology, and advanced manufacturing, and underscored ASEAN’s key role in global growth and supply chains.
Following Malaysia, Trump will continue his Asia tour with stops in Japan and South Korea for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, and is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping before concluding his trip.
