KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has embarked on an inaugural official visit to France from July 3 to July 4 at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to France Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim said the visit carries an official status and signifies France’s strong commitment towards its diplomatic ties with Malaysia since Anwar assumed premiership in 2022.
“This official visit status is also significant for the continued strengthening of our bilateral diplomatic ties,” he said to the Malaysian press via an online conference from Paris today.
Eldeen added that Anwar would be received by the French top leadership at the airport, followed by an inspection of a guard of honour and an engagement session with the Malaysian diaspora in France.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with Macron at the Palais de l'Élysée, with key agenda items including trade, investment, renewable energy, semiconductors, defence, education, digital economy, and artificial intelligence (AI).
“Malaysia expects this official visit will boost investor confidence in exploring new investment opportunities and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in the nuclear and clean energy sectors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysia also expresses support for France’s efforts to host a conference to work towards a solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and discuss regional issues, including the South China Sea and the stability of Southeast Asia, within the framework of Malaysia’s capacity as the 2025 Asean chair.
Eldeen said a lecture by Anwar, titled 'Southeast Asia and Europe: Recalibrating the Terms of Engagement', will be held at Sorbonne University, a world-renowned institution in the intellectual and cultural spheres.
“He will also attend a session with 250 members of the Malaysian diaspora, deliver a lecture, and attend Friday prayer with Muslim community leaders at the Grand Mosque of Paris, one of the oldest mosques in France.
“This visit aims to open a new chapter in bilateral relations, drive national economic growth, and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global supply chain,” he said.
Anwar is accompanied on this visit by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, 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 joining the delegation is Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
On July 4, Anwar will depart for Brazil to attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Anwar is currently undertaking a visit to three countries — Italy, France, and Brazil — from July 1 to July 7.
— Bernama
