Indonesia’s Jokowi first foreign leader to call Anwar.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo was the first head of state to congratulate Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his appointment as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister.
Anwar, who spoke with Widodo on the phone hours after being sworn in, expressed hopes for a strengthened relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia.
“I affirm that Indonesia is a true friend of Malaysia and I hope that trade and business relations, investment, culture and labour issues can be improved.
“The friendship between the two must be strengthened,” Anwar said in a Facebook post Thursday (Nov 24).
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has also congratulated Anwar.
“My warmest congratulations on your victory at 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 at the General Election,” added Lee.
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 Datuk Seri 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.
According to Lee, Singapore and Malaysia share a longstanding substantive relationship, underpinned by “our historical ties, multi-faceted cooperation, and strong people-to-people links.”
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Lee said the two countries have been steadfast partners supporting each other.
“The close coordination between our ministers and officials allowed us to maintain the flow of essential goods and workers, and to re-open our borders swiftly and effectively.
“We have also been close partners in Asean, which remains central to stability in South-east Asia amidst rising geopolitical tensions,” said the prime minister.
Later, during his first media conference, Anwar took a call from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.