Malaysia sees Egypt as strategic partner, says Anwar

CAIRO: Malaysia and Egypt have agreed to work towards elevating bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership in the near future, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Both countries are also committed to strengthening bilateral relations in various areas, Anwar said after a meeting with Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Anwar, who is on a four-day official visit to Egypt, said he and El-Sisi had agreed to expand cooperation in trade and investment, higher education, cultural affairs, defence and security, agro-commodities, and tourism.

“We are quite fortunate because Malaysia has emerged to be one of the important semiconductor hubs in the region, and we should be able to collaborate in this field,” he said.

He said both countries will also leverage each other’s strengths and explore new potentials such as the digital economy, renewable energy infrastructure, transport and maritime, as well as the manufacturing and semiconductor sectors.

Anwar said he hopes to work closely with Egypt and other BRICS members towards Malaysia becoming a full member of the grouping. He said El-Sisi’s support is very important and needed by Malaysia in its application to be a full member.