Malaysia-Egypt Relations: A Historic Milestone
Historic Visit to Strengthen Ties
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s four-day official visit to Egypt starting today is set to mark a significant milestone in the relations between Malaysia and Egypt, said Malaysia’s Ambassador to Egypt, Datuk Mohd Tarid Sufian.
Diversifying and Strengthening Cooperation
The visit, at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, would pave the way for diversifying and strengthening cooperation, as well as reinforcing the foundations for synergy in addressing various regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Bilateral Meeting to Focus on Key Areas
The meeting is expected to focus on advancing bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, defence and security, tourism, education, and religious affairs. Discussions will also touch on exploring new collaborations in the halal industry, health, renewable energy and water, natural resources, and environmental sustainability.
Regional and International Issues of Mutual Concern
Both leaders are expected to discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly Palestine.
Exchange of Memoranda of Understanding
Anwar and El-Sisi are also scheduled to witness the exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Malaysia and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif for collaboration at the Faculty of Islamic Studies and an MoU on cooperation in religious affairs between Malaysia and Egypt.
Prime Minister’s Itinerary
Anwar is slated to deliver a public lecture at Al-Azhar University, host engagements with local industry leaders, launch the Proton Saga assembly operations centre, and meet with Malaysian students here.
65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Egypt, making it a highly historic date for both nations, and this visit is very timely. The 65th anniversary coincides with the date of the (bilateral) meeting on Nov 10, as the establishment of diplomatic relations (between Malaysia and Egypt) was on Nov 10.
Key Figures Accompanying the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, and Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii.
Economic Ties
Egypt is Malaysia’s fifth-largest trading partner among African nations with bilateral trade valued at RM3.35 billion last year. From January to September 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries was recorded at RM3 billion, representing a 21.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023, and this year’s trade value is expected to surpass last year’s performance.
Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s visit is expected to be a significant milestone in the relations between Malaysia and Egypt, marking a new chapter in their diplomatic and economic ties. The visit will focus on diversifying and strengthening cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, defence, and security, as well as addressing regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Egypt?
A: The visit is to mark a significant milestone in the relations between Malaysia and Egypt, and to strengthen cooperation in various fields.
Q: What are the key areas of cooperation that will be discussed during the bilateral meeting?
A: The meeting will focus on advancing bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, tourism, education, and religious affairs, as well as exploring new collaborations in the halal industry, health, renewable energy and water, natural resources, and environmental sustainability.
Q: What is the significance of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Egypt?
A: The 65th anniversary marks a historic date for both nations, and this visit is very timely, coinciding with the date of the bilateral meeting on Nov 10, as the establishment of diplomatic relations (between Malaysia and Egypt) was on Nov 10.