Malaysia seeks to deepen ties with Poland in key strategic sectors
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia seeks to strengthen bilateral ties with Poland in areas such as defence, food technology, trade and investment, digital technology, renewable energy, and green hydrogen.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he held extensive discussions with Polish President Andrzej Duda on expanding exports of palm oil, wood, rubber products, and electrical and electronics (E&E) collaboration, including green hydrogen initiatives.
"Poland has made phenomenal advancements in new technologies, digital AI, and food technology. This has positioned Poland as an important partner in the EU and a key player in the region.
"I look forward to enhancing our bilateral relationship in defence, food technology, trade and investment, digital technology, renewable energy, and your emerging expertise in green hydrogen.
"The exponential growth in trade is very encouraging. The 19.5 per cent year-on-year increase from 2023 to 2024 is indeed remarkable, highlighting the potential in our bilateral trade, investments, and overall relations with Poland," he said at a joint press conference with Duda today.
Anwar also said both sides discussed expanding their long-term defence procurement relationship.
"I am pleased to learn that President Duda will be visiting Port Dickson today, primarily for discussions with the Defence Ministry.
"There is clear potential for collaboration and growth. I believe we should showcase the capabilities of both Malaysia and Poland in the areas we discussed, including the halal industry, where Poland's strength in modern food technology is notable," he said.
He added that Malaysia, as Asean Chair, and Poland, which held the EU Council presidency during the first half of this year, also discussed Malaysia's relations with Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and China.
Anwar noted that both leaders also discussed the EU Deforestation Regulation and trade agreements as part of broader negotiations.
"I am pleased that since the beginning of the EU presidency, we have seen accelerated discussions between Asean EU and Malaysia EU, including talks on a free trade agreement.
"These discussions had been stalled for some years, possibly due to different EU priorities. But in the past year and particularly the past few months we have seen strong momentum building.
"To me, the EU including Poland remains a key strategic partner for Malaysia as a trading nation and for Asean cohesion," he said.
They also discussed international issues of shared concern, including the conflict in Ukraine, where both sides strongly advocate for a peaceful resolution.
Anwar also expressed appreciation for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and commended Poland's efforts in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as its support for a two-state solution and the urgent need for peace and humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the occupied territories.
"I hope this visit marks a turning point in showcasing how Malaysia and Poland can move forward together," he said.
President Duda arrived in Malaysia yesterday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation.
He is scheduled to visit the Second Regiment of the Royal Armoured Corps at Kem Sunggala, Port Dickson, later today and deliver a public lecture at the Asia Europe Institute, University of Malaya.
As of 2024, Poland ranks as Malaysia's eighth largest trading partner among EU member states, with total bilateral trade increasing by 19.5 per cent to RM5.66 billion compared to 2023.
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