“I stressed the importance of this commitment,” said the prime minister, who met French Prime Minister François Bayrou here on Friday (July 4).
AirAsia, he added, was also confident in French technology through its commitment to acquire a number of Airbus aircraft, thus boosting aviation industrial relations between the two nations.
“We spoke about various strategic cooperation efforts like high value investment in aerospace, semiconductor and automotive, clean energy ventures, defence, education, technical and vocational training,” he said after the meeting.
Malaysia, he said, valued France’s support in the energy transition mission and national economic transformation through active participation from firms like ENGIE, Total dan Thales.
Anwar expressed confidence that relations with France, being Malaysia’s fourth biggest trading partner in the European Union, would continue to grow.
“I have extended an invite to PM Bayrou to visit Malaysia officially to further deepen our strong bond,” he said.
“Prime Minister Bayrou and I later witnessed the exchange of three important documents that will strengthen Malaysia-France strategic cooperation in the fields of defence, economy and technology.
"The memorandum of understanding between Malaco and Carester marks a significant milestone in the development of Malaysia’s rare earth industry in line with the country’s ESG commitments and new energy initiatives," said Anwar.
The letter of offer to Thales LAS, he added, will enhance Malaysia’s airspace surveillance capabilities through two new long-range radars.
"As for the collaboration between Matrade and Business France, it will boost bilateral trade promotion across strategic sectors such as aerospace, renewable energy, and the digital economy.”
