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The Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar holds talks with Italian PM Meloni to boost bilateral ties
ROME: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was accorded a guard of honour upon his arrival at Chigi Palace, the official residence of his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, on Thursday. Anwar, who arrived here on Tuesday for a three-day working visit to Italy, was received by Meloni before the national anthems of both countries were played. Meloni then introduced her delegation, which included Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, before Anwar introduced his. During a meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through more comprehensive cooperation. They also discussed a wide range of issues, including collaboration in the economic sector, particularly trade and investment, as well as cooperation in defence, renewable energy, environmental sustainability, agro-commodities and the digital economy. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel and the resulting humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Anwar was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, as well as Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. Also present was Malaysian Ambassador to Italy, Datuk Zahid Rastam. In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Italy increased by two per cent to RM14.61 billion (US$3.18 billion), compared to 2023. From January to May 2025, bilateral trade rose 3.3 per cent year-on-year to RM6.5 billion (US$1.48 billion). Italy remained Malaysia's fifth-largest trading partner and the third-largest importer of Malaysian palm oil among European Union member states last year. Anwar is scheduled to depart for Paris next, where he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron during his two-day visit. Following that, the Prime Minister will head to Rio de Janeiro to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.


The Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar wraps up Italy visit with meeting with PM Giorgia Meloni
ROME: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will wrap up his three-day working visit to Italy with a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, at Palazzo Chigi here today. During the meeting, both leaders are expected to reaffirm their countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through more comprehensive cooperation. Both sides will also discuss a range of issues encompassing bilateral cooperation in economic sectors such as trade and investment, as well as collaboration in defence, renewable energy and the environment, agro-commodities, and the digital sector. The discussions will also cover people-to-people cooperation, including education, cultural exchanges, the tourism sector, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern, such as the situation in the Middle East. At the bilateral meeting, the premier will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy, Datuk Zahid Rastam, will also be present. Anwar arrived in the capital on Tuesday as part of his visits to Italy, France and Brazil, which form part of Malaysia's ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation at the global level. In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Italy recorded a two per cent increase, reaching RM14.61 billion (USD3.18 billion), compared with 2023. Between January and May 2025, total trade grew by 3.3 per cent year-on-year to RM6.5 billion (US$1.48 billion). Italy remained Malaysia's fifth-largest trading partner and the third-largest importer of Malaysian palm oil among European Union member states in 2024. Anwar will then depart for Paris, where he is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron during his two-day stay there. Subsequently, Anwar will attend the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.


The Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PM Anwar meets Italian industry leaders to boost Malaysia trade ties
ROME: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim engaged in high-level discussions with executives from three major Italian companies during his working visit to Italy. The meetings aimed to explore potential collaborations in shipbuilding, aerospace, defence, and energy sectors. Anwar began with talks involving Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero, followed by Leonardo's senior vice-president Tomasso Pani. The final session featured ENI's CEO Claudio Descalzi, with Petronas chief Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik also in attendance. The discussions preceded the Malaysia Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable Meeting, a key event during Anwar's three-day visit. Before the roundtable, Anwar met Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani to reinforce bilateral ties. Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Investment Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz joined the meetings. Trade between Malaysia and Italy grew by two per cent in 2024, reaching RM14.61 billion. From January to May 2025, trade expanded further by 3.3 per cent to RM6.5 billion. Italy remains Malaysia's fifth-largest trading partner and a key importer of Malaysian palm oil in the EU.


New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysian diaspora vital asset on global stage, says Anwar
ROME: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysians living across the globe are considered a valuable asset to the nation. He said Malaysian diaspora acts as unofficial ambassadors, carrying the nation's name onto the international stage. "Therefore, I urge them to continue seizing every opportunity and avenue to strengthen their knowledge, skills and networks, so they can contribute back to the country," he said at a gathering with the Malaysian diaspora residing in Italy, here on Tuesday. During the event, Anwar also took the opportunity to share various initiatives, policies and efforts of the Madani government in championing the welfare of the people and the country's future direction amid global geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties. The event was part of his official visit to Italy at the invitation of his counterpart, Giorgia Meloni. Accompanying him were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz; and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Last year, trade between Malaysia and Italy recorded a two per cent increase to RM14.61 billion (USD3.18 billion) compared to 2023. From January to May this year, trade continued to show positive performance, rising by 3.3 per cent to RM6.50 billion (USD1.48 billion) compared to the same period in 2024. Italy is Malaysia's fifth-largest trading partner among European Union countries and the third-largest importer of Malaysian palm oil from the bloc for 2024.