Anwar meets leaders from seven countries

The Star

12-07-2025

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a series of bilateral meetings with senior leaders from seven countries, including China and Australia, where discussions centred around efforts to further strengthen ties.
The meetings held at the Prime Minister's Office also involved representatives from Pakistan, Turkiye, Palestine, United Kingdom and European Union, who are here for the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings.
On his meeting with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Prime Minister said both sides discussed various aspects of Malaysia-China ties, which continues to be strengthened following President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia in April.
'We explored efforts to narrow the trade gap and expand cooperation in the port, liquefied natural gas (LNG), water, digital economy and green technology sectors,' he said, Bernama reported.
Anwar also expressed appreciation for China's support of Asean's Five-Point Consensus regarding the situation in Myanmar, reiterating the importance of a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea issue, in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
During his meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the Prime Minister welcomed investors' interest in the smart manufacturing, digital economy, artificial intelligence and renewable energy sectors.
'Australia has also been invited to participate in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) this September, in line with the halal economy's vast potential as a driver of future cooperation,' he said.
In a meeting with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Anwar said discussions revolved around the upcoming official visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Malaysia, during which several memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed.
The two leaders also explored potential cooperation in agriculture, particularly in rice trade, and exchanged views on regional and global developments, including Asean-Pakistan relations and the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
Anwar also received a courtesy call from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, where he expressed interest in encoura­ging further investments in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, digital and green economy, artificial intelligence (AI) and aerospace.
On his meeting with the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Anwar said the discussion focused on enhancing cooperation across various areas, including investment, energy transition, education, climate change, defence, digitalisation and AI.
'I also welcome increased UK investments, particularly in the semiconductor and green infrastructure sectors,' he said.
The Prime Minister, who also met Palestinian Planning and International Cooperation Minister Dr Estephan Salameh, said Malaysia continues to strengthen its role in supporting the Palestinian people, particularly in the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
On his meeting with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Anwar said Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the EU, which is currently Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner, with total trade reaching US$47.93bil in 2024.