MALAYSIA is intensifying efforts to strengthen international partnerships in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector following expressions of interest from Pakistan, Uganda and Bulgaria, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said on the sidelines of the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25) today.
Fahmi revealed that his discussions with Uganda’s Minister of State for Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance, Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga Kiime, explored avenues for closer cooperation in sharing information between the two ministries.
“It provides space for the ministry to study and exchange views – perhaps on the policies we are implementing, and whether other countries have similar policies or not. So this is an opportunity for us to gather information, and this is important because at times the insights we gain may help us refine and improve policies in Malaysia,” he told reporters after the meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Uganda also expressed strong interest in learning from Malaysia’s initiatives to increase public participation in internet use, particularly in addressing challenges relating to device accessibility and digital literacy, Fahmi noted.
In bilateral talks with Pakistan’s Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the discussion centred on Malaysia’s developments in the semiconductor sector and the broader digital economy, reflecting Pakistan’s desire to benefit from Malaysian expertise.
During his meeting with Bulgaria’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Dimitar Nedyalkov, Fahmi said Bulgaria showed interest in establishing a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.
“Hence, from each of these countries, I see valuable opportunities for us to exchange views, insights and experiences in the field of telecommunications, as well as in areas such as online security, consumer issues within the digital economy, and several other sectors,” Fahmi added.
The meetings were attended by Malaysian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ahmad Kamrizamil Mohd Riza, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Deputy Managing Director Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin, and Communications Technology Division Secretary Ahmad Norhad Zahari.
PM Embarks on Historic Official Visit to Ethiopia, Reinforcing Africa Ties
Meanwhile, earlier in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began a landmark three-day official visit to Ethiopia, receiving a personal welcome from Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali at Bole International Airport, signalling a new chapter in bilateral engagement.
Dr Abiy personally escorted Anwar and his delegation to the Leaders Lounge before taking them on a tour of the Ethiopian Science Museum, which highlights the country’s achievements in technology and infrastructure.
The itinerary also included a visit to Friendship Park, a prominent public space, before concluding at the Sheraton Addis Hotel.
In a message posted on X, Dr Abiy welcomed Anwar, stating: “Your presence is a true testament to the friendship and growing solidarity between Ethiopia and Malaysia, and it comes at a very significant moment for our country.”
Anwar’s delegation included senior ministers, such as Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, senior government officials, and business representatives.
The visit underscores Malaysia’s commitment to deepening engagement with Africa through the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, which was established in 2002 to foster continental cooperation.
The trip also marks the reopening of the Malaysian Embassy in Addis Ababa on 23 September 2025 after a 42-year closure, reinforcing Malaysia’s dedication to stronger bilateral relations.
This historic visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Ethiopia diplomatic ties, established in January 1965, and follows a reciprocal visit by Dr Abiy to Malaysia in October last year. - November 19, 2025
