Anwar, Prabowo to step up diplomatic efforts on Mideast crisis

2026-03-27 - 13:11

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto during their meeting in Jakarta today. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East, protect civilian lives and open space for negotiations towards a peaceful and lasting resolution, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He said this was discussed during his meeting with Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto during his visit to Indonesia today. “The meeting created constructive space to find common ground in addressing the conflict, which is now putting pressure on global energy security and economic stability,” he said in a Facebook post today after his first trip to Jakarta this year at Prabowo’s invitation. Anwar said that during the approximately two-hour meeting, both leaders emphasised the importance of ensuring that global supply chains and strategic trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, are not affected. “I also shared updates on engagements with fellow international leaders as part of efforts to express solidarity, coordinate views and assess global impacts, particularly in terms of energy and regional security,” he said. Anwar said Malaysia remained firm in its rejection of violence and its commitment to upholding international law and urging all parties to return to the path of peace. Following US-Israel strikes on Iran earlier this month, Iranian forces closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil supply flows. The closure led to crude oil prices rising to more than US$100 (RM401) a barrel.