US President Donald Trump has arrived in Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit, beginning his trip with an unexpected and spirited dance during a welcome ceremony. His landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport was met with official honors, including a fighter jet flypast and a crowd waving flags of both nations.
President Trump was welcomed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other senior government figures. In a moment that captured widespread attention, Trump joined local dancers near the red carpet, grooving to the traditional music and holding up small flags. This impromptu performance, which Prime Minister Ibrahim also participated in, generated considerable amusement and was widely shared on social media, adding a relaxed element to the start of his diplomatic tour.
Following the ceremony, President Trump headed to the ASEAN Summit venue. Discussions are expected to focus on regional issues, trade, and the signing of a bilateral trade deal with Malaysia. Earlier, Trump had stated his readiness to “sign the Peace Deal immediately upon arrival,” alluding to the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire agreement he helped broker.
The President’s presence at the ASEAN Summit is a significant diplomatic move, especially after his previous absences. During his time in Malaysia, he is also scheduled to meet Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. His Asia itinerary also includes a stop in Qatar for discussions on the Gaza situation, followed by visits to Japan and South Korea. A crucial meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is on the agenda to address trade disputes, and a potential encounter with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un remains a possibility, depending on diplomatic developments.