Malaysian Prime Minister Embarks on Series of Visits to Italy, France, and Brazil

Strategic Insights -

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has embarked on a series of visits to three countries - Italy, France, and Brazil - as part of Malaysia's ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation at the global level. The visits, which began with a three-day official visit to Italy, aim to strengthen Malaysia's diplomatic ties and trade relations with the respective nations, particularly in major economic hubs such as Rome, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro. The Prime Minister is accompanied by a business delegation comprising representatives from major Malaysian corporations and innovative enterprises, including Petronas, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Maybank, FGV, YTL Power, and Sunway.

Key Takeaways:

  • The visits aim to strengthen Malaysia's diplomatic ties and trade relations with Italy, France, and Brazil, with a focus on major economic hubs such as Rome, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro.
  • The bilateral trade between Malaysia and these three countries collectively recorded RM50.91 billion (USD11.14 billion) last year.
  • The Prime Minister is accompanied by a business delegation comprising representatives from major Malaysian corporations and innovative enterprises, including Petronas, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Maybank, FGV, YTL Power, and Sunway.
  • The visits are expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Italy, with discussions focusing on a wide range of sectors.
  • The Prime Minister will engage with local Muslim leaders, meet Malaysian citizens in France, and deliver a public lecture at Sorbonne University on July 4.
  • Anwar will attend the 17th BRICS Summit upon invitation from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, representing the aspirations of over 650 million ASEAN citizens.
  • The BRICS Summit is expected to focus on multilateralism based on law, governance of artificial intelligence, climate action, and global health.
  • Anwar expressed hope that his series of meetings with leaders in Rome, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro would strengthen ties, boost trade, and unlock new opportunities for the well-being of Malaysians and the wider ASEAN community.

Statistics:

  • Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Italy, France, and Brazil collectively recorded RM50.91 billion (USD11.14 billion) last year.
  • The Prime Minister's visit to Italy is being undertaken at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
  • Over 650 million ASEAN citizens are expected to benefit from Malaysia's role as a BRICS Partner Country and ASEAN Chair for 2025.

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency (01 Jul 2025)
  • Facebook post by Anwar Ibrahim (no date specified)