PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday (July 11) held a series of bilateral meetings with senior leaders and representatives from seven countries and international entities, on the sidelines of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings currently taking place here.
The meetings, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, involved China, Australia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Palestine, the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union.
In his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Anwar said both sides discussed various aspects of Malaysia-China ties, which continues to be strengthened following President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia in April, during which 31 memoranda of understanding and agreements were signed.
"China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with total trade reaching US$106bil in 2024. We also explored efforts to narrow the trade gap and expand cooperation in the port, liquefied natural gas (LNG), water, digital economy, and green technology sectors,” he said in a statement issued to Bernama and RTM.
Anwar also expressed appreciation for China’s support of Asean’s Five-Point Consensus regarding the situation in Myanmar and reiterated the importance of a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea issue, in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
During his meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Anwar said Malaysia and Australia continued discussions towards strengthening bilateral relations, which have been established since 1957.
"I welcome the interest of Australian investors in the smart manufacturing, digital economy, artificial intelligence and renewable energy sectors.
"Australia has also been invited to participate in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) this September, in line with the halal economy’s vast potential as a driver of future cooperation,” he said.
Anwar also said that education remains one of the key pillars of Malaysia-Australia relations, and both countries are expected to sign a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Annual Leaders’ Meeting in October.
The MoU will cover areas including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), curriculum development and student exchange programmes.
"I also appreciate Australia’s support in enhancing local vaccine capability through training and research funding amounting to AU$500,000,” said Anwar.
The Prime Minister also said he looks forward to the official visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Malaysia in October, which is expected to open a new chapter in bilateral relations based on trust, shared values and aspirations for a more peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. - Bernama
