Malaysia and Egypt Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Malaysia and Egypt have agreed to work towards elevating their bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership in the near future, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Anwar said both countries are committed to strengthening bilateral relations in various areas for mutual interest and benefit. To achieve this, Malaysia will host the next Joint Commission Meeting and Bilateral Consultation in 2025.
Areas of Cooperation
The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation in trade and investment, higher education, cultural affairs, defence and security, agro-commodities, and tourism. They also discussed leveraging each other’s strengths and exploring new potentials such as digital economy, renewable energy infrastructure development, transportation and maritime domain, as well as manufacturing and semiconductor sectors.
Malaysia’s Semiconductor Hub
Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s emergence as one of the important semiconductor hubs in the region, stating that the country should be able to collaborate in this field.
ASEAN-Egypt Relations
As the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia expressed its readiness to work closely with Egypt to promote ASEAN-Egypt relations. Malaysia also encouraged Egypt to advance its engagement with ASEAN, through its important role and being the founding member of the African Union.
BRICS Membership
Anwar expressed hope to work closely with Egypt and other BRICS members towards its full membership in BRICS and to advance the Global South Agenda. He said El-Sisi’s support is very important and needed by Malaysia in its application to be a full member of BRICS.
Egypt’s Global South Agenda
According to Anwar, Egypt has a great tradition of being one of the most profound voices for the global South and is always seen to be one of the leading voices of independence and neutrality. He noted that this is consistent with the ASEAN position of centrality, engaging with all countries, being friends with all countries, but maintaining independence and collaborating with all countries, particularly in terms of trade investments.
Conclusion
The agreement between Malaysia and Egypt is a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutual interests. The two countries have identified several areas of cooperation and are committed to working together to achieve their goals.
FAQs
Q: What is the goal of the agreement between Malaysia and Egypt?
A: The goal is to elevate bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership.
Q: What areas of cooperation have been identified?
A: The areas of cooperation include trade and investment, higher education, cultural affairs, defence and security, agro-commodities, and tourism.
Q: What is Malaysia’s role in ASEAN?
A: Malaysia is the Chair of ASEAN in 2025 and is committed to promoting ASEAN-Egypt relations.
Q: What is Malaysia’s goal in BRICS?
A: Malaysia’s goal is to become a full member of BRICS and to advance the Global South Agenda.