France-M’sia forge new path

Macron hails Anwar’s visit as a success which will boost ties

PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron regards Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit as a success, given the progress made in jointly reviving partnerships across all sectors.

Macron said the rapprochement between the two nations’ economies and shared diversification strategies were essential.

He was referring to the newly signed project in the critical minerals and rare earths sector with the company Carester, which just opened a plant in Lacq, the histo­ric cooperation between Malaysia Airlines and Airbus when it came to transport, and also in the field of energy transition.

“In South-East Asia, I reiterated our support for regional electricity connectivity, including support for civil nuclear energy.

Strong bond: Macron welcoming Anwar for a working dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris; and (below) Anwar presenting a Quran to the Rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, Chems-eddine Mohamed Hafiz, during Friday prayers in Paris. — Reuters/Bernama

“I must also mention the exchanges between our artists, researchers, academics, and students – all those who bring the France-Malaysia relationship to life. New agreements are in view to continue weaving this human connection between our countries.”

In turn, Anwar said the collaboration among the private sector was why government to government arrangements and exchanges with ministers should continue at the higher level.

“I think we have benefited immensely from the education (sector), the AI, the digital engineering that many of our students have been trained in here.

“We want to further explore. We have now started to get French students into Malaysia, and tourism is also increasing,” he added.