MALAYSIA and Egypt are seeking to deepen their 67-year diplomatic relationship through a proposed strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held talks to expand cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.
The push to elevate ties was a key focus of El-Sisi’s two-day state visit to Malaysia, his first since becoming president in June 2014, reflecting both countries’ intention to strengthen longstanding relations and deliver greater benefits to their people.
Anwar said the visit reflected the close friendship between Malaysia and Egypt and their shared resolve to strengthen cooperation and raise bilateral ties to a higher level.
The two leaders were also scheduled to witness the exchange of memorandums of understanding in areas of mutual interest and discuss regional and international developments.
The diplomatic engagement comes amid stronger economic links, with bilateral trade rising 74.7 per cent to RM3.49 billion in the first eight months of 2026, compared with RM2 billion in the same period last year.
Trade totalled RM3.08 billion in 2025, when Egypt ranked as Malaysia’s seventh-largest trading partner in Africa. Malaysia’s exports to Egypt amounted to RM2.55 billion, while imports from the country stood at RM530 million.
The visit also included engagements showcasing Malaysia’s industrial capabilities, including an official afternoon tea hosted by Anwar featuring an exhibition of the latest Proton Saga and Modenas models.
Anwar thanks El-Sisi for helping Malaysia deliver aid to Gaza
Meanwhile, Anwar has thanked Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for his personal assistance in facilitating Malaysia’s humanitarian aid to Palestinians, including the transfer of injured Gazans to Malaysia for medical treatment.
Anwar said Egypt had provided substantial support for Malaysia’s relief efforts, with coordination carried out directly through the Egyptian president’s office and the country’s military intelligence.
“Malaysia takes a firm stand against the atrocities committed against the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, as a result of Israel’s refusal to compromise and the violence it has perpetrated,” he said.
“I am also grateful that Egypt has done much to help Malaysia deliver aid, although our contribution is small compared with what Egypt has already done. Egypt has provided tremendous assistance and support to the Palestinian people,” he said at a joint press conference with El-Sisi at Kompleks Seri Perdana in Putrajaya today.
The remarks highlighted Egypt’s role in supporting humanitarian operations for Gaza, including efforts to facilitate the movement of aid and the evacuation of wounded Palestinians for treatment abroad.
El-Sisi was earlier accorded a state welcoming ceremony before an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Negara. The visit was made at the invitation of the King.
Malaysia and Egypt established diplomatic relations in 1959 and also cooperate in education and through regional and international forums. - October 10, 2026
