Malaysia explores critical minerals cooperation in Latin America as NRES engages stakeholders from Peru, India, Chile and Colombia.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia continues to reinforce its economic diplomacy by exploring strategic cooperation in the critical minerals sector, particularly with international partners in Latin America.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) said in a statement today that its Minister, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, held a strategic networking session with stakeholders, key industry players and the business community from Peru, India, Chile and Colombia.
The session was held in conjunction with Arthur’s working visit to Lima, Peru, where he is leading the Malaysian delegation to the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026.
“The special session serves as a platform to exchange views on the development of the global economic landscape, particularly in relation to the natural resources sector, critical minerals, and efforts to strengthen supply chains in support of the global energy transition agenda,” the statement said.
Arthur said in the same statement that such platforms not only highlight Malaysia’s potential in the global market but also serve as a catalyst for more structured strategic dialogue.
“Strong international relations can only be built through consistent engagement, mutual trust and a deep understanding of each country’s needs and strengths.
“Face-to-face meetings like this can create new opportunities to drive inclusive, sustainable and future-oriented economic growth,” he said.
NRES said that the Latin American region, particularly Peru, plays a significant role as a key contributor to global mineral supplies.
It said Malaysia, on the other hand, continues to strengthen its position as a competitive industrial hub by focusing on technological mastery, downstream processing and sustainable value chain development.
“The synergy between regional strengths and Malaysia’s capabilities will open up vast opportunities for complementary cross-continental cooperation,” the statement said.
NRES said the networks established during Arthur’s working visit to Peru are expected to form the basis for broader strategic cooperation in the future, thereby strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global economic ecosystem.
The ministry also stressed Malaysia’s commitment to upholding global economic diplomacy to ensure that the country’s natural resources and mineral assets are managed responsibly and sustainably and deliver maximum returns to the national economy and the well-being of the people.
