PUTRAJAYA — Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur later this month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed yesterday.

He said Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak will represent Putin.

“President Putin has confirmed that he’s not coming. He is exploring the possibility of coming the following year. He will be represented by the Russian Deputy Prime Minister (at the summit),” Anwar said at a media briefing with local and international editors here today, ahead of the 47th Asean Summit.

The confirmation ends days of speculation over Putin’s possible visit after he had previously told Anwar he was “seriously considering” attending the regional gathering. 

“I hope to discuss this further with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, because this was an initiative taken by former Prime Minister (Shigeru) Ishiba. We agreed and we’re jointly sharing this,” he said.

Anwar said Japan’s readiness to engage in the reconstruction effort deserves recognition, particularly for its consistent support of humanitarian causes.

“It is worthy of respect and mention that the Japanese have taken this seriously to help in the reconstruction of Gaza,” he said.

On another development, Anwar said the cross-border online scam issue will again feature prominently at the summit, as Asean leaders seek stronger collective action to address the growing transnational threat.

“This issue has been raised in bilateral and regional meetings, with assurance given. This will again be raised in this summit because it affects the stability and health, economy and wellbeing of the region,” he said.

The Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with several world leaders on trade, regional security and humanitarian cooperation during the Asean Summit.