PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held bilateral discussions with representatives from seven countries and international organisations on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related forums, currently underway in Kuala Lumpur.
The countries involved in the meetings were China, Australia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Palestine, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Talks focused on strengthening diplomatic ties, advancing economic partnerships, and addressing regional issues of shared concern.
In a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Anwar said the discussion centred on bolstering Malaysia–China ties, following President Xi Jinping’s state visit 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\$106 billion 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.
He also extended Malaysia’s appreciation for China’s support of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar and reiterated the need for a peaceful, legally grounded resolution to the South China Sea dispute, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In a separate meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Anwar affirmed the long-standing relations between Malaysia and Australia, dating back to 1957.
“I welcome the interest of Australian investors in the smart manufacturing, digital economy, artificial intelligence and renewable energy sectors,” he said.
Australia has been invited to participate in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in September, in recognition of the growing global halal economy.
Education also remains a key pillar of Malaysia–Australia ties. Anwar said both countries are expected to sign a new memorandum of understanding during the Annual Leaders’ Meeting in October, covering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), curriculum development and student exchange initiatives.
“I also appreciate Australia’s support in enhancing local vaccine capability through training and research funding amounting to AU\$500,000,” he added.
Anwar said he looks forward to welcoming Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Malaysia in October, a visit he described as poised to open “a new chapter in bilateral relations based on trust, shared values and aspirations for a more peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
Further details of discussions with the other participating nations, including the UK, EU, Turkiye, Pakistan and Palestine, are expected to be disclosed in the coming days as part of Malaysia’s broader regional and international engagement strategy. - July 11, 2025
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