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The Sun
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Guinea-Bissau to be Malaysia's gateway into Africa, says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau are set to strengthen bilateral ties by positioning each other as regional hubs to boost trade, investment and cooperation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Malaysia would serve as Guinea-Bissau's gateway to Asean, while Guinea-Bissau would act as Malaysia's entry point into Africa. "Of course, Guinea-Bissau and Malaysia have had very low-key engagements in the past. That's why I think President Umaro's (General Umaro Sissoco Embaló) visit is very significant. "He has that vision to work with us, to engage with Malaysia as a base for the Asean region, and we accept Guinea-Bissau's role in expanding our relations in trade, investment, and other fields. "He is meeting, hopefully, Petronas and FGV this evening to explore potential in both Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau — not only at the national level, but also to use this as a base to expand into the African subregion and continent, as well as Malaysia and beyond," Anwar said at a joint press conference held in conjunction with Embaló's visit today. He said both leaders had also discussed cooperation in halal certification, Islamic banking and finance, as well as training opportunities in fields such as semiconductors, oil and gas, and food technology. "We are ready to offer some assistance, as we have done under the MTCP (Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme), a large programme which will be coordinated by Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Ghani," he said. Anwar said they also discussed international affairs, adding that Embaló maintained strong ties with the United Arab Emirates, France, Russia, the United States, and across Africa. "I think we, as a trading nation, and with Malaysia's and Asean's policy of centrality, engage with all countries — and this aligns closely with the position taken by President Umaro. "So I would say that this is going to be your second home, and we, my colleagues and the people of Malaysia, are extremely glad that you have now taken the initiative to forge this new, close relationship based on trust and affinity with Malaysia." Embaló pledged his commitment to implementing the discussions, saying he had instructed his foreign minister to work closely with Malaysia to realise the agreements. He also expressed admiration for Malaysia's achievements in education, healthcare, and industry, saying Guinea-Bissau hoped to learn from its experience. "We want to be the key for Malaysia in Africa, and Malaysia can be the key for us — not just in Asia, but in the world," he said. Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau established diplomatic relations in November 1974. Ties remain cordial, with cooperation on bilateral and multilateral platforms including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with Guinea-Bissau stood at RM4.1 million — with RM4.04 million in exports and RM60,000 in imports.
