
Malaysia-France strengthen strategic cooperation in defence, economy & technology
The exchange of documents was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and French Prime Minister François Bayrou at an official ceremony held in Paris today.
Among the agreements signed was a memorandum of understanding between Malaysian company Malaco and French firm Carester, marking a major milestone in the development of Malaysia's rare earth industry.
It was in line with Malaysia's commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and the country's national renewable energy agenda.
Meanwhile, a letter of offer was presented to Thales LAS, aimed at enhancing Malaysia's airspace surveillance capabilities through the procurement of two new long-range radar units.
Another significant initiative is the strategic partnership between Matrade and Business France, which will boost bilateral trade promotion, particularly in the aerospace, renewable energy and digital economy sectors.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

The Star
21 minutes ago
- The Star
Malaysia, France reiterate calls for permanent ceasefire in Gaza
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (front, left) attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace today. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED PARIS: Malaysia and France have both reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza as the Asian leader paid an official visit on his European counterpart here. President Emmanuel Macron, speaking near the steps at the entrance of Palais de l'Elysee, said the two nations were now calling 'more than ever' for an agreement on a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, which is so desperately needed in Gaza. 'I commend the efforts of the mediators and call for the swift conclusion of the agreement currently on the table. 'A lasting solution cannot be achieved without reopening a clear political perspective based on the two-state solution — where two states live side by side in peace and security — allowing for the creation of a Palestinian state and full regional integration of Israel,' Macron, who hosted Anwar, said in French. He said in the immediate term, faced with an unbearable humanitarian situation, it is Israel's responsibility to allow the civilian population access to humanitarian aid. The president also said this concern for international law saw the absence of a legal basis for the retaliatory strikes on Iran and to call for a negotiated solution. Iran must unequivocally reaffirm its support for the Non-Proliferation Treaty and agree to a deal that would lead to the end of uranium enrichment in Iran — while allowing the country to benefit from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, he added. Anwar, who stood next to Macron, lauded the latter for trying to resolve the outstanding conflict in Gaza. 'Of course, we have condemned the continued bombings and atrocities inflicted upon civilians, women and children, and it's a shame that international community is not able to resolve this. So your initiative was supported by us,' he said. Anwar also noted that he could not deny the issue of use of nuclear energy for peaceful means. 'Nuclear Non Proliferation, proliferation, or even power, cannot be seen to be selective,' he said. Malaysia too had also committed to the two state solution, he said, adding: 'We must impress upon Iran to use this for peaceful methods and peaceful means and allow for inspection which they have given commitment. But I think we have to follow through. And I think therefore, please be assured, President Macron that we will be here.' Later, the two leaders had an official working dinner followed by Anwar having a tete-a-tete with Macron, before flying off to Rio de Janeiro for the third and final leg of his visit to three cities.


Borneo Post
27 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
PM Anwar's visit to France a success, reviving partnerships across all sectors — President Macaron
Anwar (left) with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace today. – Bernama photo PARIS (July 5): French President Emmanuel Macron has described Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri described Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Anwar Ibrahim's two-day visit to France as a success, with the two nations reviving partnerships across all sectors. He said this was achieved through Anwar's high-level meetings with his French counterpart François Bayrou and other key officials, his important speech at Sorbonne University Paris as well as his exchanges with civil society leaders and meetings with French businesses. Macron also called the visit meaningful, as it had been 15 years since the last official visit by a high ranking Malaysian official. He expressed delight to see both countries signing agreements in areas such as minerals and aircraft purchase. 'This visit is a success. We also heard your (Anwar) speech at the university and that is a very important moment,' he said during a joint press conference after holding a bilateral meeting with Anwar at the Elysee Palace here today. Anwar had earlier delivered a lecture entitled 'Southeast Asia and Europe: Recalibrating The Terms of Engagement' at Sorbonne University Paris, where he called for an equal partnership on all grounds between the Southeast Asia and Europe. Macron said France's ties with Malaysia and ASEAN were getting stronger, adding that his visit to Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore in May this year was an indication of the revival. 'In Southeast Asia, I reiterated our support for regional electricity connectivity, including support for civil nuclear energy,' he added. Meanwhile, Anwar expressed hope that the French President would visit Malaysia after attending the 20th Francophonie Summit in Cambodia next year. He said bilateral ties between the countries were getting stronger with the commitment shown by the French government under Macron's leadership. 'Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia are buying more planes. And Sarawak is also strengthening its own airline by collaborating with France,' said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister. At the same time, he expressed hope that French companies would continue to manufacture aeroplane parts in Malaysia. In the energy sector, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is working with partners from France in its joint ventures in Latin America and Africa. Earlier in the day, AirAsia signed an agreement to buy US$12.25 billion (RM51.72 billion) worth of long-range Airbus 321XLR aircraft, with deliveries confirmed by 2028. The Prime Minister also witnessed the memorandum of understanding exchange between 3P Capital Advisers and Ardian, a leading private investment firm from France, for the exploration of investment opportunities in the private markets. The private sector initiative can give Malaysians a wider access to alternative investments, Anwar said. Meanwhile, during his meeting with Imerys, an industrial mineral processing company that has been operating in Malaysia for over 25 years, Anwar said the company expressed its commitment to expand operations and support the development of a high-value, environmentally-friendly manufacturing sector in the country. In addition, Anwar held a meeting with the management of Arkema, a global leader in specialty chemicals, which is evaluating potential new investments in Malaysia. Anwar was accompanied on this visit by Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Also joining the delegation was Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. France remains one of Malaysia's top five trading partners within the European Union. In 2024, bilateral trade totalled RM15.95 billion (US$3.63 billion), with RM6.26 billion (US$1.49 billion) recorded between January and May this year. From France, Anwar heads to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit from July 5 to 7. – Bernama

The Star
36 minutes ago
- The Star
Airbus aircraft purchase will boost AirAsia's short-and medium-haul routes, says Anwar
PARIS: AirAsia's acquisition of the A321XLR aircraft from Airbus would strengthen the airline's operational capabilities for short- and medium-haul routes, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister, who witnessed the signing of the purchase agreement for the aircraft between AirAsia and Airbus here said: 'This acquisition not only expands the flight network but supports Malaysia's aspiration to emerge as a leading aviation hub in the Asian region. 'I also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between 3P Capital Adviser and Ardian, a leading private investment firm from France, in an effort to explore investment opportunities in the private market,' he said after carrying out one-on-one business meetings with several companies here. Anwar said this initiative had the potential to broaden Malaysians' access to alternative investments. In a meeting with Imerys, an industrial minerals processing company that has been operating in Malaysia for over 25 years, Anwar was informed of their commitment to expand operations and support the development of a high-value and environmentally friendly manufacturing sector in the country. 'I also met with Arkema, a global leader in specialty chemicals, which is currently assessing the potential for new investments in Malaysia. 'This could create more high-skilled jobs, accelerate technology transfer, and strengthen Malaysia's position as a key bioeconomy hub in the Asian region,' he added.