PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with areas of focus to include the halal industry, Islamic finance, the energy sector, and capacity building.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had encouraged Malaysian corporations, including PETRONAS and FGV Holdings, to explore potential ventures in Guinea-Bissau.
"Hopefully, Petronas, FGV and others will explore potential opportunities... (and) also use them as a base to expand further into Africa and beyond," he said during a joint press conference with visiting Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo here on Wednesday (June 4).
Anwar said Malaysia remains committed to supporting capacity-building efforts through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which offers scholarships and specialised training across sectors including governance, agrotechnology and public administration.
He said the countries have also explored potential collaboration in semiconductors, oil and gas and food technology and the further implementation of MTCP programmes tailored to Guinea-Bissau's developmental priorities.
"We are prepared to offer assistance under the MTCP and through larger programmes coordinated by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani," he added.
On international affairs, the Prime Minister highlighted Embalo's strong diplomatic ties with key global powers, including the United Arab Emirates, France, Russia, the United States, and several African nations.
The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the deepening of ties between the two nations, adding: "Malaysia will be your second home. My colleagues, the people of Malaysia, and I are very pleased that you have taken the initiative to establish a new relationship based on trust and affinity with Malaysia."
Embalo is on a three-day official visit, marking the first-ever visit by a head of state from the Western African nation.
The leader, who arrived on Tuesday (June 3), was accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex here on Wednesday.
He was greeted by Anwar at 9am. The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of Guinea-Bissau and Malaysia.
Embalo then inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers and personnel of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Major Mohamad Waqiyudin Abd Rahman.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, senior government officials and diplomats.
Bilateral ties between the two nations are underpinned by a shared commitment to cooperation on bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Last year, Malaysia's total trade with Guinea-Bissau amounted to RM4.1mil, with exports valued at RM4.04mil and imports at RM0.06mil.
Following their meeting, Anwar then hosted an official luncheon in Embalo's honour at Seri Perdana here.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin also attended.
A Wisma Putra statement on Tuesday said this is Embalo's first visit to Malaysia since assuming office in February 2020.
Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau established diplomatic relations in November 1974. – Bernama
