Latest news with #ASEAN-EU
Malaysian Reserve
02-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
PM Anwar arrives in Rome for a three-day official visit
ROME — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived here Tuesday for a three-day working visit to the third-largest economy in the European Union (EU). The aircraft carrying the Prime Minister landed at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport at 8.18 pm (2.18 am Wednesday, Malaysia time). On hand to welcome Anwar at the airport were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy Datuk Zahid Rastam, Italian Senior Ambassador for Protocol Affairs Fabrizio Romano and former Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Massimo Rustico. Anwar said he hoped the visit would strengthen Malaysia-Italy ties and deepen strategic cooperation, as well as to elevate ASEAN-EU engagement in a challenging global landscape. 'This visit, which comes at the invitation of my counterpart, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the long-standing bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Italy based on the principles and spirit of friendship, trust and mutual respect. 'Malaysia sees Italy as an important strategic partner in the European continent and we are committed to expanding cooperation in trade and investment, defence industry and the energy transition sector,' said Anwar. Furthermore, as ASEAN Chairman, Anwar said this visit will also enhance the value of the relationship between the Southeast Asian region and Europe in the increasingly challenging geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape. 'I am confident that this visit will open a new chapter that is more dynamic, yielding concrete benefits and taking Malaysia-Italy relations to a new and higher level,' he added. During the visit, Anwar is accompanied by Mohamad, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. Also part of the delegation is Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. Immediately upon arrival at the capital, Anwar and delegation attended a gathering with Malaysian diaspora in the country. On July 3, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart at Chigi Palace. According to Zahid, the meeting will provide an opportunity for both leaders to take stock of the current state of Malaysia-Italy relations and explore avenues to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy, defence technology, and energy. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the ASEAN-Italy Development Partnership, ASEAN-European Union Dialogue Relations, and the situation in the Middle East. As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Anwar is expected to also highlight Malaysia's priorities and ASEAN's efforts in addressing regional and global challenges. The Prime Minister will also officiate the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable on Wednesday, which will bring together industry leaders from both countries to explore trade and investment collaboration. During the business engagement event, Anwar is set to meet captains of Industry from 36 Italian firms, including multinational companies such as Leonardo SpA, STMicroelectronics and Ferrero. Italy is the third-largest national economy in the EU and the world's eighth-largest by gross domestic product. He is also scheduled to meet leaders of the local Muslim community. Malaysia and Italy enjoy longstanding and multifaceted relations, underpinned by strong economic ties, growing trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges. In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Italy recorded a two per cent increase, reaching RM14.61 billion (USD3.18 billion) compared with 2023. For the period of January to May 2025, total trade grew by 3.3 per cent year-on-year to RM6.5 billion (USD1.48 billion). Italy remains Malaysia's fifth largest trading partner and third largest importer of Malaysian palm oil among European Union member states in 2024. The Prime Minister will undertake an official visit to France on July 3 and 4, 2025 concluding his visit to Italy. — BERNAMA
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PM Anwar arrives in Rome for official visit to strengthen Malaysia-Italy ties
ROME: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived here Tuesday for a three-day working visit to the third-largest economy in the European Union (EU). The aircraft carrying the Prime Minister landed at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport at 8.20 pm (2.20 am Wednesday, Malaysia time). On hand to welcome Anwar at the airport were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy Datuk Zahid Rastam, Italian Senior Ambassador for Protocol Affairs Fabrizio Romano and former Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Massimo Rustico. Anwar said he hoped the visit would strengthen Malaysia-Italy ties and deepen strategic cooperation, as well as to elevate ASEAN-EU engagement in a challenging global landscape. 'This visit, which comes at the invitation of my counterpart, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the long-standing bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Italy based on the principles and spirit of friendship, trust and mutual respect. 'Malaysia sees Italy as an important strategic partner in the European continent and we are committed to expanding cooperation in trade and investment, defence industry and the energy transition sector,' said Anwar. Furthermore, as ASEAN Chairman, Anwar said this visit will also enhance the value of the relationship between the Southeast Asian region and Europe in the increasingly challenging geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape. 'I am confident that this visit will open a new chapter that is more dynamic, yielding concrete benefits and taking Malaysia-Italy relations to a new and higher level,' he added. During the visit, Anwar is accompanied by Mohamad, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. Also part of the delegation is Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. Immediately upon arrival at the capital, Anwar and delegation attended a gathering with Malaysian diaspora in the country. On July 3, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart at Chigi Palace. According to Zahid, the meeting will provide an opportunity for both leaders to take stock of the current state of Malaysia-Italy relations and explore avenues to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy, defence technology, and energy. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the ASEAN-Italy Development Partnership, ASEAN-European Union Dialogue Relations, and the situation in the Middle East. As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Anwar is expected to also highlight Malaysia's priorities and ASEAN's efforts in addressing regional and global challenges. The Prime Minister will also officiate the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable on Wednesday, which will bring together industry leaders from both countries to explore trade and investment collaboration. During the business engagement event, Anwar is set to meet captains of Industry from 36 Italian firms, including multinational companies such as Leonardo SpA, STMicroelectronics and Ferrero. Italy is the third-largest national economy in the EU and the world's eighth-largest by gross domestic product. He is also scheduled to meet leaders of the local Muslim community. Malaysia and Italy enjoy longstanding and multifaceted relations, underpinned by strong economic ties, growing trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
New Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
PM Anwar arrives in Rome for a three-day official visit
ROME: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived here Tuesday for a three-day working visit to the third-largest economy in the European Union (EU). The aircraft carrying the Prime Minister landed at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport at 8.18pm (2.18 am Wednesday, Malaysia time). On hand to welcome Anwar at the airport were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy Datuk Zahid Rastam, Italian Senior Ambassador for Protocol Affairs Fabrizio Romano and former Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Massimo Rustico. Anwar said he hoped the visit would strengthen Malaysia-Italy ties and deepen strategic cooperation, as well as to elevate ASEAN-EU engagement in a challenging global landscape. "This visit, which comes at the invitation of my counterpart, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the long-standing bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Italy based on the principles and spirit of friendship, trust and mutual respect. "Malaysia sees Italy as an important strategic partner in the European continent and we are committed to expanding cooperation in trade and investment, defence industry and the energy transition sector," said Anwar. Furthermore, as ASEAN Chairman, Anwar said this visit will also enhance the value of the relationship between the Southeast Asian region and Europe in the increasingly challenging geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape. "I am confident that this visit will open a new chapter that is more dynamic, yielding concrete benefits and taking Malaysia-Italy relations to a new and higher level," he added. During the visit, Anwar is accompanied by Mohamad, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. Also part of the delegation is Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. Immediately upon arrival at the capital, Anwar and delegation attended a gathering with Malaysian diaspora in the country. On July 3, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart at Chigi Palace. According to Zahid, the meeting will provide an opportunity for both leaders to take stock of the current state of Malaysia-Italy relations and explore avenues to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy, defence technology, and energy. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the ASEAN-Italy Development Partnership, ASEAN-European Union Dialogue Relations, and the situation in the Middle East. As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Anwar is expected to also highlight Malaysia's priorities and ASEAN's efforts in addressing regional and global challenges. The Prime Minister will also officiate the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable on Wednesday, which will bring together industry leaders from both countries to explore trade and investment collaboration. During the business engagement event, Anwar is set to meet captains of Industry from 36 Italian firms, including multinational companies such as Leonardo SpA, STMicroelectronics and Ferrero. Italy is the third-largest national economy in the EU and the world's eighth-largest by gross domestic product. He is also scheduled to meet leaders of the local Muslim community. Malaysia and Italy enjoy longstanding and multifaceted relations, underpinned by strong economic ties, growing trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges. – MORE In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Italy recorded a two per cent increase, reaching RM14.61 billion (USD3.18 billion) compared with 2023. For the period of January to May 2025, total trade grew by 3.3 per cent year-on-year to RM6.5 billion (USD1.48 billion). Italy remains Malaysia's fifth largest trading partner and third largest importer of Malaysian palm oil among European Union member states in 2024. The Prime Minister will undertake an official visit to France on July 3 and 4, 2025 concluding his visit to Italy. – BERNAMA
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia, Poland eye stronger ASEAN-EU partnership, economic ties
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Poland have expressed readiness to deepen cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union (EU), leveraging their respective chairmanships to drive a more strategic and long-term interregional partnership. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the ongoing alignment, with Malaysia chairing ASEAN this year and Poland assuming the EU Council presidency in the first half of 2025, has created a unique diplomatic opportunity to foster closer ASEAN-EU relations, particularly in trade. 'This visit by President Andrzej Duda is very special because he currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, while Malaysia is the Chair of ASEAN. Our discussions touched on both bilateral matters and broader ASEAN-EU issues,' Anwar told a joint press conference with the Polish leader here today. He noted that talks between ASEAN and the EU, particularly on the free trade agreement (FTA), have gained new momentum after years of slow progress. 'The negotiations had been protracted, perhaps due to differing priorities in the past. But over the last year and especially in recent months, we have seen an accelerated process. I am pleased that under the EU presidency, we are witnessing this fast-tracked approach,' he said. Anwar highlighted that the EU, including Poland, remains a critical strategic and economic partner for Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region. Meanwhile, President Duda said one of the key areas of discussion was strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and Central European countries involved in the Three Seas Initiative, which includes EU member states from Central Europe. 'Poland held the presidency of both the EU Council and the Three Seas Initiative in the past half-year. I discussed with the Prime Minister how ASEAN views cooperation with the Three Seas countries, and I have extended an invitation to him to participate in future summits under this initiative,' Duda said. He explained that the Three Seas Initiative comprises only EU member states, offering a potential platform for increased economic dialogue and connectivity with ASEAN. Duda said discussions also covered global security issues, including the Middle East conflict, Russian aggression against Ukraine, and concerns over North Korean involvement in the war. -- MORE
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia, Poland eye stronger ASEAN-EU partnership
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Poland have expressed readiness to deepen cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union (EU), leveraging their respective chairmanships to drive a more strategic and long-term interregional partnership. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the ongoing alignment, with Malaysia chairing ASEAN this year and Poland assuming the EU Council presidency in the first half of 2025, has created a unique diplomatic opportunity to foster closer ASEAN-EU relations, particularly in trade. 'This visit by President Andrzej Duda is very special because he currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, while Malaysia is the Chair of ASEAN. Our discussions touched on both bilateral matters and broader ASEAN-EU issues,' Anwar told a joint press conference with the Polish leader here today. He noted that talks between ASEAN and the EU, particularly on the free trade agreement (FTA), have gained new momentum after years of slow progress. 'The negotiations had been protracted, perhaps due to differing priorities in the past. But over the last year and especially in recent months, we have seen an accelerated process. I am pleased that under the EU presidency, we are witnessing this fast-tracked approach,' he said. Anwar highlighted that the EU, including Poland, remains a critical strategic and economic partner for Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region. Meanwhile, President Duda said one of the key areas of discussion was strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and Central European countries involved in the Three Seas Initiative, which includes EU member states from Central Europe. 'Poland held the presidency of both the EU Council and the Three Seas Initiative in the past half-year. I discussed with the Prime Minister how ASEAN views cooperation with the Three Seas countries, and I have extended an invitation to him to participate in future summits under this initiative,' Duda said. He explained that the Three Seas Initiative comprises only EU member states, offering a potential platform for increased economic dialogue and connectivity with ASEAN. Duda said discussions also covered global security issues, including the Middle East conflict, Russian aggression against Ukraine, and concerns over North Korean involvement in the war. -- MORE
