Working Visit to Belgium: Anwar to Address Key Issues
Trade, Middle East, and Russia-Ukraine Crisis on Agenda
BRUSSELS: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to address critical issues on trade, the Middle East, and the Russia-Ukraine crisis during his working visit to Belgium, beginning Sunday.
Malaysia’s Position on Key Issues
Malaysian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, Datuk Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak, revealed that Malaysia’s position on these matters will be conveyed during Anwar’s meetings with Belgian and European Union (EU) leaders.
Developments in Palestine
"Developments in Palestine will also be discussed during the visit. The Belgian government has expressed its sympathy for the situation in Gaza," he said at a press conference, ahead of Anwar’s inaugural visit to Belgium since assuming office.
Agenda for the Working Visit
The delegation accompanying the Prime Minister includes Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; and Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Meetings with EU Leaders
Anwar, who is scheduled to arrive in Brussels on Sunday afternoon, will meet with Alexander De Croo, the caretaker Prime Minister of Belgium, on Monday. Both leaders are expected to discuss efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas, including trade and investment; and education such as higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
EU Meeting
While in Brussels, the Prime Minister will hold a meeting with the EU side, which will begin with a meeting with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP). This will be followed by a four-way meeting between the Prime Minister and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, at the Europa Building.
Economic Cooperation
Mohd Khalid Abbasi said that the meeting with the EU would provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on areas of cooperation, such as sustainability issues, the Malaysia-European Union Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (MEUPCA), and the Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA).
ASEAN Chairmanship
As the current Chair of ASEAN, the Prime Minister will take the opportunity through this working visit to highlight Malaysia’s priorities in the direction of the Malaysian Chairmanship which is themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
Keynote Speech
On Monday afternoon, Anwar will deliver a keynote speech, entitled ‘Bridging Regions: Strengthening Southeast Asia-European Resilience’, at the College of Europe (COE) in Bruges. The College, which is the oldest institution for European studies, and one of the most renowned European institutions, has hosted prominent figures such as Margaret Thatcher, Xi Jinping, Angela Merkel, and Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the past. College of Europe Rector Federica Mogherini, who is also the former Foreign Minister of Italy, will moderate the session.
Social Gathering and Meeting with Muslim Council
On the first day of his visit (Sunday), Anwar will attend a social gathering with about 200 Malaysian diaspora in Belgium and Luxembourg. He will also hold a meeting with the president of the Muslim Council of Belgium, the only official Islamic organisation in Belgium. There are nearly one million Muslims in Belgium, most of whom are of Moroccan descent.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Anwar’s working visit to Belgium is an important milestone in Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the European Union and other international partners. The visit is expected to yield positive outcomes in terms of trade, education, and other areas of cooperation.
FAQs
Q: What are the key issues that Prime Minister Anwar will address during his working visit to Belgium?
A: Trade, the Middle East, and the Russia-Ukraine crisis are the key issues that will be discussed during the visit.
Q: Who will the Prime Minister meet with during his visit?
A: Anwar will meet with Alexander De Croo, the caretaker Prime Minister of Belgium, and with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP).
Q: What is the focus of the Prime Minister’s keynote speech at the College of Europe?
A: The focus of the speech is on ‘Bridging Regions: Strengthening Southeast Asia-European Resilience’.