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The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
M'sia, Poland to deepen ties
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Poland are set to strengthen defence cooperation, including exploring long-term procurement opportunities and strategic engagement between their respective defence ministries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at a joint press conference with President Andrzej Duda of Poland, Anwar said the two leaders held extensive discussions on deepening collaboration in defence, among other key sectors such as food technology, digital technology, renewable energy and the halal industry. 'I'm pleased to learn that President Duda is heading for Port Dickson today (Tues), mainly with the Defence Ministry. 'My policy since assuming the premiership has been very clear – the priority in ascertaining the requirements of the Defence Ministry should rest solely with the professional team,' he said, noting that bilateral defence cooperation has strong potential for growth, Bernama reported. Anwar noted that feedback on Polish military equipment, including tanks and the WB Group's electronic systems, has so far been positive. 'I certainly look forward to the proposals from both parties regarding the continuation and expansion of our collaboration, especially in new areas of defence. 'This is particularly important because the Polish government has allocated additional funds to support the industry,' said Anwar, highlighting Poland's expertise in green hydrogen and modern food technology, which could enhance Malaysia's halal industry and sustainability goals. 'I look forward to enhancing these bilateral relations and your new expertise in green hydrogen,' he said, adding a light-hearted remark about Poland's success in the cosmetics sector. The Prime Minister also welcomed the encouraging 19.5% year-on-year growth in bilateral trade between 2023 and 2024, calling it a clear reflection of the deepening economic partnership between the two countries. 'We have discussed at great length the expansion of exports, including palm oil, wood, rubber products, and electrical and electronics (E&E), as well as collaboration on green hydrogen,' he added. Anwar said the two countries should continue showcasing their capacity to work together in these diverse fields, particularly in areas where both Malaysia and Poland have strategic advantages. Duda is on his first official visit to Malaysia, which comes at a significant moment – coinciding with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship and Poland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025. Earlier, Duda was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex, followed by a bilateral meeting with Anwar and an official luncheon hosted by Anwar at the Seri Perdana Complex. According to Wisma Putra, Duda is also scheduled to visit the Second Regiment of the Royal Armoured Corps at the Sunggala Camp, Port Dickson, and deliver a public lecture at the Asia-Europe Institute, Universiti Malaya, in Kuala Lumpur. Duda's visit underscores the robust and friendly relations between Malaysia and Poland, which are founded on mutual respect and close cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971. In 2024, Poland ranked as Malaysia's 8th largest trading partner among European Union member states, with total bilateral trade rising by 19.5% to RM5.66bil compared to 2023. Malaysia's primary exports to Poland include electrical and electronic products, rubber products and machinery, while key imports from Poland consist of machinery, equipment and parts, and electrical and electronic products, as well as transport equipment.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Forces to resume previous posts
Keeping watch: Police officers standing guard outside the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok, following a recent border clash between Thailand and Cambodia, in this file photo. — Reuters The country's Defence Ministry confirmed that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to return their troops to previous border positions after a clash in which a Cambodian soldier was killed prompted both to reinforce their military presence. The Cambodian statement, which said both sides wished to ease tensions following the incident in an undemarcated area on May 28, came after Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said both countries were in talks to defuse the situation and would revert to positions agreed in 2024. For days, the two governments have exchanged statements, saying they were committed to finding a peaceful resolution. Neither gave details about where or to what extent their military forces had been reinforced at the weekend. Thailand operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces along their shared 817km frontier, Thai government data shows. Both countries have for more than a century contested sovereignty at undemarcated points along their shared border, which was mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. Thailand's Phumtham said both sides hoped the border issue could be fully resolved through bilateral talks, including a meeting of the Joint Boundary Committee on June 14. Cambodia's Foreign Ministry reiterated a request to bring the border disputes to the International Court of Justice in a letter to Thai officials on June 6. 'Given the complexity, historical nature, and sensitivity of these disputes, it is increasingly evident that bilateral dialogue alone may no longer suffice to bring about a comprehensive and lasting solution,' Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said in the note shared with reporters on Sunday. 'A decision rendered by the ICJ, grounded in international law, would offer a fair, impartial, and durable resolution,' he said. The Thai government has said it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction and proposed that all boundary-related issues be resolved through bilateral negotiations. Tensions between the countries escalated in 2008 over an 11th-century Hindu temple, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a week-long exchange of artillery in 2011. In the latest flare up, Thailand cut operating hours at 10 border crossings with Cambodia, citing security concerns. Checkpoints, including the busiest in Thailand's eastern province of Sa Kaeo, halved operating hours on Sunday to 8am to 4pm local time, from 6am to 10pm, previously, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters. The governments of Thailand and Cambodia previously enjoyed warmer ties, owing to a friendship between former leaders, Thaksin Shinawatra from Thailand and Cambodia's Hun Sen. Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Hun Sen's son, Hun Manet, are now the incumbent prime ministers of their countries and the conflict has raised questions over their relationship. — Reuters
