KERALAM: Stronger economic cooperation and greater trade and investment between Malaysia and Keralam are on the cards following a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan.
The meeting took place during Satheesan’s courtesy call on Anwar in Calicut here, held in conjunction with the Prime Minister’s working visit to India and his maiden visit to Keralam as Prime Minister.
Keralam, a southern Indian state, was formerly known as Kerala.
Among key areas discussed were greater collaboration in digital economy, healthcare, tourism, education and other high-value sectors.
They also explored opportunities to expand tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges, to further strengthen ties between Malaysia and Keralam.
The Prime Minister also invited Satheesan to visit Malaysia as part of efforts to further enhance bilateral cooperation and exchanges.
The meeting formed part of Anwar’s programme during his working visit to Keralam, which also included engagements with the state’s business community and other key stakeholders.
Anwar is accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
At a press conference with the Malaysian media, the Prime Minister said that Malaysia’s participation in the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit is not aimed at opposing any bloc, but rather, to advocate a fairer international system and rules.
He said Malaysia would continue to maintain good relations with the United States, European Union (EU), Australia and other international partners, while voicing the need to reform the existing international system.
“BRICS or Asean is not meant to oppose other groups, which is why our cooperation with the EU, the US and Australia continues and is not hindered.
“We are only setting fair rules,” he said, Bernama reported.
On full BRICS membership, the Prime Minister said while there was currently a moratorium, Malaysia’s status as a partner country allowed it to participate in almost all activities and working mechanisms of the grouping.
He said Malaysia had received support to become a BRICS partner country and would continue to leverage the opportunities available to strengthen economic and trade cooperation.
Malaysia participated in the summit in its capacity as a BRICS partner country, a status it has held since Jan 1, 2025.
