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Prime ministers

Malaysia and France Revive Partnerships Across All Sectors After 15-Year Gap

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's two-day visit to France has been described as a success by French President Emmanuel Macron, with the two nations reviving partnerships across all sectors after a 15-year gap. Macron praised Anwar's high-level meetings, speech at Sorbonne University Paris, and exchanges with civil society leaders and French businesses. The visit saw agreements signed in areas such as minerals and aircraft purchase, with Anwar calling for an equal partnership on all grounds between Southeast Asia and Europe.

Key Takeaways:

  • French President Emmanuel Macron described Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's two-day visit to France as a success, reviving partnerships across all sectors.
  • The two nations signed agreements in areas such as minerals and aircraft purchase, with a US$12.25 billion deal between AirAsia and Airbus.
  • Anwar called for an equal partnership on all grounds between Southeast Asia and Europe, and urged French companies to continue manufacturing aeroplane parts in Malaysia.
  • Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is working with French partners in joint ventures in Latin America and Africa.
  • The private sector initiative between 3P Capital Advisers and Ardian can give Malaysians wider access to alternative investments.
  • French industrial mineral processing company Imerys expressed commitment to expand operations and support the development of a high-value, environmentally-friendly manufacturing sector in Malaysia.
  • Arkema, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is evaluating potential new investments in Malaysia.

Statistics:

  • Bilateral trade between Malaysia and France totalled RM15.95 billion (US$3.63 billion) in 2024.
  • RM6.26 billion (US$1.49 billion) of this trade was recorded between January and May 2024.
  • The French President has visited Kuala Lumpur 7 times.
  • AirAsia signed a US$12.25 billion deal with Airbus to buy long-range Airbus 321XLR aircraft, with deliveries confirmed by 2028.

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency
  • Associated Press
  • Anadolu Agency
  • Bernama News Agency

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