Malaysia retains Asian seat at FAO Council till 2028 with Thailand
The decision was confirmed during the 44th FAO Conference in Rome, Italy.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) highlighted Malaysia's collaborative efforts with regional partners, including Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan, to secure the seat.
'Malaysia has worked closely with partners in the Asian region to conduct negotiations and reach collective agreements,' the ministry stated.
The FAO Council serves as the primary executive body, overseeing policies, work programs, and budgetary matters for the organisation.
Members are elected for three-year terms based on regional representation. Malaysia's renewed term begins on July 1, 2026, and will extend until the conclusion of the 46th FAO Conference in 2029. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia, France reiterate calls for permanent ceasefire in Gaza
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (front, left) attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace today. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED PARIS: Malaysia and France have both reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza as the Asian leader paid an official visit on his European counterpart here. President Emmanuel Macron, speaking near the steps at the entrance of Palais de l'Elysee, said the two nations were now calling 'more than ever' for an agreement on a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, which is so desperately needed in Gaza. 'I commend the efforts of the mediators and call for the swift conclusion of the agreement currently on the table. 'A lasting solution cannot be achieved without reopening a clear political perspective based on the two-state solution — where two states live side by side in peace and security — allowing for the creation of a Palestinian state and full regional integration of Israel,' Macron, who hosted Anwar, said in French. He said in the immediate term, faced with an unbearable humanitarian situation, it is Israel's responsibility to allow the civilian population access to humanitarian aid. The president also said this concern for international law saw the absence of a legal basis for the retaliatory strikes on Iran and to call for a negotiated solution. Iran must unequivocally reaffirm its support for the Non-Proliferation Treaty and agree to a deal that would lead to the end of uranium enrichment in Iran — while allowing the country to benefit from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, he added. Anwar, who stood next to Macron, lauded the latter for trying to resolve the outstanding conflict in Gaza. 'Of course, we have condemned the continued bombings and atrocities inflicted upon civilians, women and children, and it's a shame that international community is not able to resolve this. So your initiative was supported by us,' he said. Anwar also noted that he could not deny the issue of use of nuclear energy for peaceful means. 'Nuclear Non Proliferation, proliferation, or even power, cannot be seen to be selective,' he said. Malaysia too had also committed to the two state solution, he said, adding: 'We must impress upon Iran to use this for peaceful methods and peaceful means and allow for inspection which they have given commitment. But I think we have to follow through. And I think therefore, please be assured, President Macron that we will be here.' Later, the two leaders had an official working dinner followed by Anwar having a tete-a-tete with Macron, before flying off to Rio de Janeiro for the third and final leg of his visit to three cities.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Airbus aircraft purchase will boost AirAsia's short-and medium-haul routes, says Anwar
PARIS: AirAsia's acquisition of the A321XLR aircraft from Airbus would strengthen the airline's operational capabilities for short- and medium-haul routes, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister, who witnessed the signing of the purchase agreement for the aircraft between AirAsia and Airbus here said: 'This acquisition not only expands the flight network but supports Malaysia's aspiration to emerge as a leading aviation hub in the Asian region. 'I also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between 3P Capital Adviser and Ardian, a leading private investment firm from France, in an effort to explore investment opportunities in the private market,' he said after carrying out one-on-one business meetings with several companies here. Anwar said this initiative had the potential to broaden Malaysians' access to alternative investments. In a meeting with Imerys, an industrial minerals processing company that has been operating in Malaysia for over 25 years, Anwar was informed of their commitment to expand operations and support the development of a high-value and environmentally friendly manufacturing sector in the country. 'I also met with Arkema, a global leader in specialty chemicals, which is currently assessing the potential for new investments in Malaysia. 'This could create more high-skilled jobs, accelerate technology transfer, and strengthen Malaysia's position as a key bioeconomy hub in the Asian region,' he added.
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Philippines says mild US tariff drove ‘strong' investor interest
MANILA: The global tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump in April triggered "strong' investor interest in the Philippines, which was threatened with a lower levy than most neighbours, a top trade official said. New investors are considering setting up shop in the SouthEast Asian nation, while companies seeking to divert orders are looking to tap existing Philippine businesses with excess capacity, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo (pic) said in an interview on Thursday (July 3). Trump's tariffs, which were paused for 90 days to July 9 to allow negotiations, included levies of 46% for Vietnam, 36% for Thailand, 32% for Indonesia and 24% for Malaysia. In contrast, the Philippines was only threatened with a relatively low levy of 17%, making it attractive compared to its South-East Asian neighbours. "In our discussions with investors, they are saying the investments in the Philippines will indeed happen. It's just a question of magnitude, depending on the result of July 9,' Rodolfo said. Electronics, garments, wearables and sporting goods companies have expressed interest in investing in the Philippines since Trump's tariff announcement, the trade official added. While Trump paused the higher tariffs, in general reducing them to 10% during the negotiation period, countries are racing to reach agreements as the tariff deadline looms. Trump on Wednesday announced a deal with Vietnam that lowers the 46% levy announced in April to 20%. Manila viewed the initial tariff imposed by the US as beneficial to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's push to woo investments, with a lower rate compared to its Asian neighbours. But challenges including poor infrastructure, high energy costs and regulatory unpredictability have been constant concerns among foreign investors looking at the Philippines. The Philippines' approved foreign investments dropped in the first quarter, the most recent period for which data are available. The cloudy trade outlook has also prompted the government to slash its goal for economic growth this year. But Rodolfo said that even with the US-Vietnam deal, investor interest in the Philippines will likely be sustained. "The Philippines is a fair and decent country to trade with and invest in,' he said. "Among the countries in the region, we stand out as the country that really espouses market-based approach.' US trade with the Philippines totalled around US$23.5 billion in 2024, with Washington recording a deficit of $4.9 billion with Manila, according to US government data. That compares with a deficit of $45.6 billion with Thailand and $123.5 billion with Vietnam. - Bloomberg
