Latest news with #Malaysia-France
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Fulfil aircraft delivery, Airbus urged
Strengthening ties: Anwar, accompanied by Lombard, inspecting a guard of honour during an official ceremonial welcome at the Hotel National des Invalides in Paris. — Photo courtesy of Anwar's Facebook page PARIS: Malaysia has called for Airbus' commitment to deliver the A330neo aircraft promised to Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) to ensure efficient operations, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'I stressed the importance of this commitment,' said the Prime Minister, who met French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou here yesterday. It was reported that MAG ordered 20 A330neos and took out options for another 20 in 2022. Anwar said AirAsia also has confidence in French technology, as reflected in its commitment to acquiring several Airbus aircraft, a move that further strengthens aviation industry ties between the two nations. 'We discussed various strategic areas of cooperation, including high-value investments in aerospace, semiconductors and automotive, clean energy ventures, defence, education as well as technical and vocational training,' the Prime Minister said after the meeting. He added that Malaysia appreciates France's support in the country's energy transition efforts and economic transformation agenda, particularly through the active participation of firms such as ENGIE, Total and Thales. Anwar alexpressed confidence that Malaysia-France relations, with France being Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union, would continue to grow. 'I have extended an invitation to Prime Minister Bayrou to make an official visit to Malaysia to further deepen our strong ties,' he said. 'Prime Minister Bayrou and I later witnessed the exchange of three important documents that will strengthen Malaysia-France strategic cooperation in the fields of defence, economy and technology. 'The memorandum of understanding between Malaco and Carester marks a significant milestone in the development of Malaysia's rare earth industry in line with the country's ESG commitments and new energy initiatives,' said Anwar. The letter of offer to Thales LAS, he added, will enhance Malaysia's airspace surveillance capabilities through two new long-range radars. 'As for the collaboration between Matrade and Business France, it will boost bilateral trade promotion across strategic sectors such as aerospace, renewable energy and the digital economy.' Earlier, Anwar was accorded an official ceremonial welcome at the Hotel National des Invalides. He was received by Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Eric Lombard. The national anthems of both countries were played before Anwar inspected the guard of honour. 'Honoured to receive an official ceremonial welcome from the Government of France, a meaningful and dignified gesture that reflects the longstanding friendship and mutual respect between Malaysia and France,' he said. As the world navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, Malaysia remains committed to working with partners such as France to champion multilateralism, reinforce peace and stability, and build a more just and sustainable future for all, Anwar added.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Anwar lands in Paris for his inaugural visit as Prime Minister
PARIS: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will spend two days here on his inaugural visit to this European capital 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.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Anwar to spend two days in Paris on inaugural visit as PM
PARIS: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will spend two days here in his inaugural visit to this European city 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 particular emphasis on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, defence, education and tourism, among other things. 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. France is one of Malaysia's top five trading partners in the European Union and a key source of FDI in the high-tech and strategic sectors. In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and France amounted to RM15.95bil. After France, Anwar will visit Brazil.
