[UPDATED] Anwar discusses unjust palm oil sanction with German president

PUTRAJAYA – The unjust sanctions against Malaysian palm oil by the European Union was amongst the topic discussed during the meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier today.

Speaking during a joint press conference after Steinmeier’s state visit to Perdana Putra, the Malaysian leader noted that palm oil producing countries have been facing difficulties in exporting the product to Europe, due to allegations of deforestation in favour of palm oil plantations.

“As you know we’ve encountered some difficulties in series of discussion with the European Union, because of sanctions impose on us.

“In order to do justice to this region, I explained that we have taken all necessary measures, reforestation, including the peat soil areas. They should allow us to therefore function economically and not be so rigid.

“We are as concerned and committed to climate change and for us, some understanding and negotiations. (It is) not for one region to impose (their will upon us), we think it is unjust and impair the progress and development of our economy,” said Anwar.

Similarly, the Tambun MP also voiced Petronas’ interest to expand its export of liquid natural gas to Germany, seeing that gas supplies to Europe have been affected due to the war between Russia and Ukraine – particularly after Moscow decided to cut off the supply to the region.

Other matters discussed by the two national leaders include the growing Islamophobia in certain parts of Europe, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as more investments and developments in Malaysia among others.

President Steinmeier then reiterated German companies’ commitment in their investment in the country, especially in light of the 700-odd German companies who have employed around 65,000 Malaysians.

“We want to intensify our relations because today we talked about sharing our common grounds. We are both established democracies, we share a commitment on combating climate change, international law and free and fair trade.

“Malaysia is a big trading partner for Germany, the biggest in Southeast Asia while Germany is Malaysia’s biggest trading partner in EU,” he said.

He then suggested Malaysia to focus more on developing vocational training among the youth.

“I’ve mentioned German investments and companies. We have visited high-tech companies producing semiconductors, medical supplies but that isn’t enough. 

“What convinced me is the aspect of vocational training, I spoke to young people and they said need to intensify vocational training here in Malaysia,” said Steinmeier. – The Vibes, February 17, 2023