ABU DHABI – Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are poised to strengthen their bilateral relations and explore new avenues for collaboration that align with their shared commitment to sustainability.
This collaborative effort was underscored during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s audience with the UAE president, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi today.
The meeting, which lasted for over an hour, provided an opportunity for both leaders to assess their existing partnerships and deliberate on strategies to enhance cooperation, particularly in key sectors such as the economy, trade, investment, renewable energy, and food security.
These areas align with the sustainable development goals of both nations and hold the potential for a prosperous future, they said during the meeting at the Qasr Al Shati Palace here.
Anwar conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah, to Sheikh Mohamed, underscoring Malaysia's commitment to fostering stronger ties with the UAE.
Sheikh Mohamed also extended his greetings and best wishes for the continued growth and prosperity of Malaysia and its people.
Both leaders emphasised their shared interest in promoting comprehensive economic collaboration, signalling their intention to work towards a robust economic partnership between the two countries in the near future.
Their discussions also touched on current regional and global developments, allowing for an exchange of perspectives on various topics of mutual interest.
Anwar expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and expressed his eagerness to deepen Malaysia's engagement with the UAE, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation, investment, and development.
The meeting saw the presence of notable figures, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan (advisor for special affairs at the Presidential Court), Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei (minister of energy and infrastructure), and Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi (minister of investment), Ahmed bin Ali Mohammed Al Sayegh (minister of state).
The Malaysian delegation included Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Zambry Kadir, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Prior to the meeting with Sheikh Mohamed, Anwar had held discussions with UAE's Investment Minister Mohamad bin Hassan Al Suwaidi.
Later in the day, informal discussions took place with several high-ranking UAE officials, including M.A. Yussuf Ali (chairman of Lulu Group International), Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Nahyan (managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority), and Mubadala's group chief executive officer, Khaidoon Al Muabarak.
Furthermore, Anwar also addressed a group of 21 prominent industry leaders in the UAE, highlighting the potential for increased investments between Abu Dhabi and Malaysia.
Anwar is expected to explore UAE’s Masdar City, which is the world’s first planned sustainable city, and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) tomorrow. He will also address Malaysians residing in the UAE before wrapping up his trip to the country.
The UAE ranked the largest investor in Malaysia from the West Asian region and ranks as the second largest among the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states.
To date, implemented investments from the UAE amount to US$400 billion (RM1.48 billion) in various manufacturing projects in Malaysia. – The Vibes, October 5, 2023
