
Anwar meets Islamic leaders, media figures, and Malaysians in Rome
"Among them was Imam Yahya Pallavicini, imam of one of Europe's largest mosques, who represented both the congregation and the Muslim association," Anwar said.
He also met Italian Islamic Cultural Centre secretary-general, Abdullah Ridoni, an organisation officially recognised by the Italian government.
Anwar said that a local research centre had translated and published his book The Asian Renaissance into Italian.
"They presented me with a copy, for which I expressed my appreciation," he said.
The prime minister also met members of the Malaysian diaspora in Rome.
"Though their numbers are not large, mainly students and workers, we were able to meet and discuss the potential that exists in both Italy and Malaysia," he said, adding that deeper bilateral ties could open up new opportunities for investment and trade.
Anwar is currently on a working visit to three countries, Italy, France and Brazil, beginning 1 July, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote Malaysia's economic interests on the global stage.
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