Durian diplomacy: Malaysia’s Anwar offers Asean ministers ‘king of fruits’ as gala treat
The Malaysian prime minister encouraged Asean’s economic ministers to try the divisive delicacy, likening its strong taste to blue cheese
“It is like blue cheese – you either like it or you hate it.”
Served alongside a buffet of regional favourites such as nasi lemak, gado-gado and pad thai, the durian – widely known in Malaysia as the “king of fruits” – was presented both as a dessert and a symbol of Asean culture by this year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Anwar described the thorny fruit as a test of Malaysia’s resolve to bring Asean diplomacy onto the global stage and boost regional unity.
“Malaysia remains committed to ensuring that growth is inclusive, that no member state is left behind, and that the dividends of integration are equitably shared,” he added.
