Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Official Visit to Egypt: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is on a four-day official visit to Egypt to strengthen bilateral relations, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomacy between both nations. His agenda includes meetings with President El-Sisi, discussions on trade and security, and the signing of memoranda of understanding, showcasing a commitment to bolster cooperation and address regional issues.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is embarking on a significant four-day official visit to Egypt, commencing today at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This visit is considered a milestone for Malaysia-Egypt relations, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors including trade, defence, tourism, and education. Ambassador to Egypt, Datuk Mohd Tarid Sufian, emphasized this occasion will also address regional and global issues of mutual concern, notably keeping Palestine in discussion. Upon his arrival in Cairo at 6:30 PM local time, a welcoming ceremony at the Al Ittihadiya Palace will kick off the agenda, which will include a bilateral meeting focused on strengthening ties. The Prime Minister’s activities will also feature a public lecture at Al-Azhar University and the launch of the Proton Saga assembly operations centre, showcasing Malaysia’s significant engagement in Egypt. Both leaders will sign several memoranda of understanding to promote collaboration within the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Al-Azhar and other religious affairs. The visit coincides with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Egypt, highlighting its historical importance. Economically, Egypt stands as Malaysia’s fifth-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding RM3.35 billion last year. Recent figures indicate a promising increase in trade of 21.4% from January to September 2024, demonstrating a robust economic relationship between the two nations.

The visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Egypt is significant as it marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Egypt. This timeframe underscores the importance of this visit in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation across various sectors. Additionally, Malaysia aims to strengthen its economic ties as Egypt serves as a key trading partner in Africa, with substantial trade growth observed in recent months. The agenda of the visit includes discussions on defense, tourism, renewable energy, and mutual concerns regarding regional issues such as Palestine.

In summary, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Egypt not only commemorates a long-standing diplomatic relationship but also serves to enhance cooperation across numerous sectors crucial for both nations’ development. The planned discussions and agreements highlight a commitment to expanding trade, investment, and shared cultural and religious understanding, positioning Malaysia and Egypt for a prosperous bilateral future.

Original Source: thesun.my