MALAYSIA and Poland have agreed to bolster defence cooperation and explore expanded strategic collaboration in trade, food technology, renewable energy, and the halal industry, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on Monday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda during his state visit to Malaysia, Anwar said both nations are looking into “long-term procurement opportunities” and deeper institutional engagement between their defence ministries.
“I’m pleased to learn that President Duda is heading to Port Dickson today, mainly to meet with the Ministry of Defence,” said Anwar. “My policy since assuming office has been clear – the requirements of the Defence Ministry must be determined solely by the professional team.”
He noted that feedback regarding Polish military assets, including tanks and electronic systems by WB Group, has thus far been “positive”, expressing interest in expanding cooperation in new defence-related areas.
“The Polish Government has also increased allocations to support its defence industry. I certainly look forward to the proposals by both sides,” he added.
Anwar also highlighted Poland’s strengths in green hydrogen and food technology, citing potential synergies with Malaysia’s halal ecosystem and broader sustainability agenda.
“I look forward to enhancing bilateral relations and tapping into your expertise in green hydrogen,” he remarked, also offering a light-hearted nod to Poland’s success in the cosmetics industry.
The Prime Minister welcomed a 19.5 per cent year-on-year rise in bilateral trade between 2023 and 2024, describing it as a reflection of the “deepening economic partnership” between the two countries.
“We discussed at length the expansion of exports, including palm oil, wood, rubber products and electrical and electronics, as well as cooperation in green hydrogen,” Anwar said.
He stressed the importance of both nations continuing to demonstrate their capacity for strategic cooperation across sectors where each holds a comparative advantage.
President Duda’s visit marks his first official trip to Malaysia and comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and Poland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025.
Earlier, Duda received an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex, held a bilateral meeting with Anwar, and attended a luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister at the Seri Perdana Complex.
According to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry, Duda is also scheduled to visit the Second Regiment of the Royal Armoured Corps at Sunggala Camp in Port Dickson and deliver a public lecture at the Asia-Europe Institute, Universiti Malaya.
Poland ranked as Malaysia’s eighth-largest EU trading partner in 2024, with total bilateral trade reaching RM5.66 billion. Malaysia’s main exports to Poland include electronics, rubber products and machinery, while Poland exports machinery, E\&E products and transport equipment to Malaysia.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1971, and have since been characterised by close cooperation and mutual respect. - June 10, 2025
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