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The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
M'sia, Guinea-Bissau deepen ties
All smiles: Anwar and Embalo posing for a group photo during a luncheon at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya. — Photo taken from Anwar's Facebook page PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described Malaysia's ties with Guinea-Bissau as a strategic gateway for expanding the nation's presence across the African continent, positioning the West African republic as a vital entry point for trade, investment and diplomatic engagement. The Prime Minister stated that the strengthening relationship between the two nations represents a pivotal shift in Malaysia's strategy towards Africa. 'It is clear that Guinea-Bissau will be a key country to leverage our positive momentum in West Africa and potentially into the broader African continent,' he said at a joint press conference with visiting Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo yesterday. Anwar said he has encouraged Malaysian corporations, including PETRONAS and FGV Holdings, to explore potential ventures in Guinea-Bissau. 'Hopefully, PETRONAS, FGV and others will explore potential opportunities not only in Guinea-Bissau but also for it to be a base to expand further into Africa and beyond,' he added. While acknowledging that past ties had been low-key, the Prime Minister said the renewed engagement reflects a shared ambition to forge stronger ties in diverse sectors such as the halal industry, Islamic finance, energy and capacity building. 'President Embalo has a vision to engage Malaysia not just bilaterally but as a bridge into Asean,' he said, reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to inclusive diplomacy anchored under Asean centrality. The Prime Minister also welcomed the deepening of ties between the two nations. 'Malaysia will be your second home. My colleagues, the people of Malaysia and I are very pleased that you have taken the initiative to establish a new relationship based on trust and affinity with Malaysia,' he told Embalo, Bernama reported. Embalo, in turn, hailed Malaysia as a 'sister country' and expressed confidence in the potential for a strong and enduring partnership. 'I believe that starting today, we are not only connected by heart but also ready to work closely on many fronts,' he said. He shared Guinea-Bissau's intention to learn from Malaysia's experience and best practices in various fields, including education, healthcare and industrial development. 'You can count on us. Guinea-Bissau wants to be Malaysia's key partner in Africa, just as Malaysia can be our key partner not only in Asia but globally,' he added. Embalo is undertaking a three-day official visit to Malaysia, marking the first-ever visit by a head of state from Guinea-Bissau. Earlier, Embalo was accorded an official welcome ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex, where he inspected a guard of honour mounted by three officers and 103 members of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (ceremonial), led by Major Mohamad Waqiyudin Abd Rahman. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials and diplomats. Following the ceremonial protocols, Embalo signed the guest book before proceeding to a bilateral meeting with Anwar. Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau established diplomatic relations in November 1974. In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with Guinea-Bissau amounted to RM4.1mil, with exports to Guinea-Bissau valued at RM4.04mil and imports at RM0.06mil.


The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia, Guinea-Bissau deepen ties with focus on halal industry, Islamic finance and energy
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with focus areas including the halal industry, Islamic finance, energy and capacity building. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had encouraged Malaysian corporations, including Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and FGV Holdings, to explore potential ventures in Guinea-Bissau. 'Hopefully, Petronas, FGV and others will explore potential opportunities not only in Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau, but also use them as a base to expand further into Africa and beyond,' he said during a joint press conference with visiting Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, here today. Anwar said that Malaysia remains committed to supporting capacity-building efforts through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which offers scholarships and specialised training across sectors including governance, agrotechnology and public administration. He said discussions with Guinea-Bissau also explored potential collaboration in semiconductors, oil and gas and food technology and the further implementation of MTCP programmes tailored to Guinea-Bissau's developmental priorities. 'We are prepared to offer assistance under the MTCP and through larger programmes coordinated by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani,' said Anwar. On international affairs, the Prime Minister highlighted Embalo's strong diplomatic ties with key global powers, including the United Arab Emirates, France, Russia, the United States, and several African nations. 'As a country that practices neutrality and balanced foreign policy, Malaysia and ASEAN have long been involved with nations globally. This aligns closely with President Embalo's vision for Guinea-Bissau,' Anwar said. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the deepening of ties between the two nations, adding that, 'Malaysia will be your second home. My colleagues, the people of Malaysia, and I are very pleased that you have taken the initiative to establish a new relationship based on trust and affinity with Malaysia'. Embalo is currently undertaking a three-day official visit to Malaysia, marking the first-ever visit by a head of state from Guinea-Bissau.


The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia, Guinea-Bissau deepen ties
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with focus areas including the halal industry, Islamic finance, energy and capacity building. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had encouraged Malaysian corporations, including Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and FGV Holdings, to explore potential ventures in Guinea-Bissau. 'Hopefully, Petronas, FGV and others will explore potential opportunities not only in Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau, but also use them as a base to expand further into Africa and beyond,' he said during a joint press conference with visiting Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, here today. Anwar said that Malaysia remains committed to supporting capacity-building efforts through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which offers scholarships and specialised training across sectors including governance, agrotechnology and public administration. He said discussions with Guinea-Bissau also explored potential collaboration in semiconductors, oil and gas and food technology and the further implementation of MTCP programmes tailored to Guinea-Bissau's developmental priorities. 'We are prepared to offer assistance under the MTCP and through larger programmes coordinated by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani,' said Anwar. On international affairs, the Prime Minister highlighted Embalo's strong diplomatic ties with key global powers, including the United Arab Emirates, France, Russia, the United States, and several African nations. 'As a country that practices neutrality and balanced foreign policy, Malaysia and ASEAN have long been involved with nations globally. This aligns closely with President Embalo's vision for Guinea-Bissau,' Anwar said. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the deepening of ties between the two nations, adding that, 'Malaysia will be your second home. My colleagues, the people of Malaysia, and I are very pleased that you have taken the initiative to establish a new relationship based on trust and affinity with Malaysia'. Embalo is currently undertaking a three-day official visit to Malaysia, marking the first-ever visit by a head of state from Guinea-Bissau.


Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia, Guinea-Bissau deepen ties with focus on halal industry, Islamic finance and energy
PUTRAJAYA — Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with focus areas including the halal industry, Islamic finance, energy and capacity building. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had encouraged Malaysian corporations, including Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and FGV Holdings, to explore potential ventures in Guinea-Bissau. 'Hopefully, Petronas, FGV and others will explore potential opportunities not only in Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau, but also use them as a base to expand further into Africa and beyond,' he said during a joint press conference with visiting Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, here today. Anwar said that Malaysia remains committed to supporting capacity-building efforts through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which offers scholarships and specialised training across sectors including governance, agrotechnology and public administration. He said discussions with Guinea-Bissau also explored potential collaboration in semiconductors, oil and gas and food technology and the further implementation of MTCP programmes tailored to Guinea-Bissau's developmental priorities. 'We are prepared to offer assistance under the MTCP and through larger programmes coordinated by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani,' said Anwar. On international affairs, the Prime Minister highlighted Embalo's strong diplomatic ties with key global powers, including the United Arab Emirates, France, Russia, the United States, and several African nations. 'As a country that practices neutrality and balanced foreign policy, Malaysia and ASEAN have long been involved with nations globally. This aligns closely with President Embalo's vision for Guinea-Bissau,' Anwar said. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the deepening of ties between the two nations, adding that, 'Malaysia will be your second home. My colleagues, the people of Malaysia, and I are very pleased that you have taken the initiative to establish a new relationship based on trust and affinity with Malaysia'. Embalo is currently undertaking a three-day official visit to Malaysia, marking the first-ever visit by a head of state from Guinea-Bissau. — BERNAMA

The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
M'sia, Guinea-Bissau extend ties with focus on halal industry, Islamic finance and energy
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with areas of focus to include the halal industry, Islamic finance, the energy sector, and capacity building. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had encouraged Malaysian corporations, including PETRONAS and FGV Holdings, to explore potential ventures in Guinea-Bissau. "Hopefully, Petronas, FGV and others will explore potential opportunities... (and) also use them as a base to expand further into Africa and beyond," he said during a joint press conference with visiting Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo here on Wednesday (June 4). Anwar said Malaysia remains committed to supporting capacity-building efforts through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which offers scholarships and specialised training across sectors including governance, agrotechnology and public administration. He said the countries have also explored potential collaboration in semiconductors, oil and gas and food technology and the further implementation of MTCP programmes tailored to Guinea-Bissau's developmental priorities. "We are prepared to offer assistance under the MTCP and through larger programmes coordinated by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani," he added. On international affairs, the Prime Minister highlighted Embalo's strong diplomatic ties with key global powers, including the United Arab Emirates, France, Russia, the United States, and several African nations. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the deepening of ties between the two nations, adding: "Malaysia will be your second home. My colleagues, the people of Malaysia, and I are very pleased that you have taken the initiative to establish a new relationship based on trust and affinity with Malaysia." Embalo is on a three-day official visit, marking the first-ever visit by a head of state from the Western African nation. The leader, who arrived on Tuesday (June 3), was accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex here on Wednesday. He was greeted by Anwar at 9am. The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of Guinea-Bissau and Malaysia. Embalo then inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers and personnel of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Major Mohamad Waqiyudin Abd Rahman. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, senior government officials and diplomats. Bilateral ties between the two nations are underpinned by a shared commitment to cooperation on bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Last year, Malaysia's total trade with Guinea-Bissau amounted to RM4.1mil, with exports valued at RM4.04mil and imports at RM0.06mil. Following their meeting, Anwar then hosted an official luncheon in Embalo's honour at Seri Perdana here. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin also attended. A Wisma Putra statement on Tuesday said this is Embalo's first visit to Malaysia since assuming office in February 2020. Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau established diplomatic relations in November 1974. – Bernama