Anwar lands in Paris for his inaugural visit as Prime Minister
The visit, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, includes a tete-a-tete between the two leaders, followed by a delegation meeting at the Elysee Palace.
Discussions will cover the overall state of Malaysia-France relations, with emphasis on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, defence, education and tourism, among other topics.
Both leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including Asean-France Development Partnership, Asean-EU Dialogue Relations and the situation in West Asia.
Malaysia's ambassador to France Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim and Defence Attache Captain Zainol Ahmad, as well as French ambassador to Malaysia Axel Cruau received the Prime Minister on his arrival at Paris Orly Airport.
Eldeen Husaini said the Prime Minister's two-day visit has been elevated to an official visit.
'This reflects the importance of diplomatic ties between the two countries,' he told a press conference.
Eldeen Husaini said as Asean Chair this year, the Prime Minister is also expected to bring up regional issues in his discussion with Macron such as the South China Sea, the South-East Asian economy and Malaysia's role as a neutral country.
He said Anwar's visit is also to explore business collaboration opportunities through a roundtable discussion with France's industry captains.
'A total of 180 companies will participate in this session, which will also be attended by industry players from Malaysia,' he said.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to deliver a public lecture titled 'South-East Asia and Europe: Recalibrating the Terms of Engagement' at Sorbonne University.
'Among guests invited to the Prime Minister's lecture include ambassadors, think tanks, students and local media practitioners,' said Eldeen Husaini.
France is one of Malaysia's top five trading partners in the European Union and a key source of FDI in high-tech and strategic sectors.
In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and France amounted to RM15.95bil.
From January to May this year, trade between Malaysia and France was recorded at RM6.26bil.
While in Paris, the Prime Minister will also engage with the Malaysian diaspora.
After France, Anwar is heading to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
No travel woes as Brunei cover cost for visiting Super League teams
PETALING JAYA: No need to tighten your travel budgets – Brunei are footing the bill. Super League teams making their trip to the Sultanate for matches for the new season in August can breathe easy, as the foreign football club have agreed to sponsor all travel expenses for visiting teams. Malaysian Football League (MFL) acting chief executive officer Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd said the arrangement was a major factor in Brunei's participation in the 2025-2026 season. 'The sponsorship was one of the main matters in our agreement with Brunei,' said Shazli after the official ball launch ceremony for the new season. 'Brunei requested to handle this aspect and they will do it.' The agreement with MFL is the same as Brunei did for clubs when they competed in Singapore's S-League last season. Shazli added that even though Brunei would be competing in the league, they would not be eligible to compete in any Asian or Asean level tournaments, such as the Asian Championships League Elite, Asian Championships League 2 and AFF Club Championship. 'If Brunei are in a position to qualify for a slot, they will not be representing the position as our national representatives,' said Shazli. Meanwhile, Shazli also said that 12 out of the 13 teams have locked in their home venues, with the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan being an alternative venue for any last-minute changes. Only Immigration team have until today to confirm their home field.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
PM Anwar meets Embraer, boosts Malaysia aviation sector
RIO DE JANEIRO: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to enhancing its aviation industry during a meeting with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. The discussions focused on strategic investments, talent development, and technology collaboration to position Malaysia as a leading aerospace hub in ASEAN. Anwar, who is also finance minister, highlighted the government's readiness to support investors through favourable policies and high-impact partnerships. 'I emphasised the MADANI Government's commitment to strengthening the aviation industry ecosystem,' he said. The talks explored Embraer's potential involvement in maintenance centres, pilot training, and low-carbon aircraft innovation, aligning with Malaysia's National Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030. The prime minister also welcomed Embraer's interest in defence sector cooperation, which could enhance the Malaysian Armed Forces' air mobility capabilities. 'The government is committed to ensuring that all forms of cooperation are translated into high-value job opportunities, technology transfer, and inclusive economic growth for the people of Malaysia,' he added. Embraer, a global aerospace leader, has delivered over 9,000 aircraft since its founding in 1969. The meeting was attended by key executives, including Embraer's president and CEO Francisco Gomes Neto, alongside Malaysian ministers Anthony Loke and Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Malaysia Backs BRICS Call For Responsible AI Governance, ASEAN On Same Path
BUSINESS From Arul Rajoo Durar Raj RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Bernama) — Malaysia has welcomed the BRICS Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance, voicing strong support for a vision of AI that serves development over domination, embeds ethics, reduces inequality and respects human dignity. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia's own efforts, including the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap and the AI Governance Guidelines, reflect similar principles. "As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is championing the establishment of an ASEAN AI Safety Network, a regional initiative to strengthen governance and capacity in this fast-moving domain,' he said during the Member State Intervention at the BRICS Leaders' Summit here today. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, cited the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement as a vital platform. "With the right investment and standards, ASEAN's digital economy could reach US$2 trillion by 2030. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to squander," he stressed. Underscoring Malaysia's commitment to inclusive growth, the Prime Minister said the future will be shaped by collective resolve. "Malaysia stands ready to work with BRICS and other partners for a fairer global economy, a more coherent digital future, and a multilateralism that delivers." Malaysia's active engagement in the global digital and AI governance reflects its broader vision of creating a balanced and inclusive international order, anchored in equity and shared progress, he added. Anwar also reiterated Malaysia's position on multilateralism, that is it is vital for global stability, shared prosperity and sovereign dignity. "For multilateralism to endure, it must do more than express common values. It must deliver tangible outcomes. It must respond to the realities of a world where markets are fragmenting faster than rules can adapt." Hence, he said Malaysia welcome BRICS' commitment to an inclusive, rules-based trading system.
