European Council President Antonio Costa will visit Malaysia for the 47th ASEAN Summit and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
KUALA LUMPUR: European Council President Antonio Costa will undertake a working visit to Malaysia from October 25 to 28 at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This visit marks Costa’s first trip to Malaysia since assuming office in December 2024.
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry stated that the visit underscores the enduring and strategic nature of Malaysia-European Union relations.
Costa will participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits as Guest of the Chair.
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He will attend the opening ceremony and the Plenary Session of the 47th ASEAN Summit on October 26.
During the plenary session, Costa will deliver remarks on ‘The Future Direction of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations’.
Prime Minister Anwar and President Costa are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on the same day.
Discussions will focus on strengthening Malaysia-EU ties and ASEAN-EU dialogue relations.
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The leaders will also address important regional and international issues during their meeting.
Costa will also attend a gala dinner hosted by Anwar and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and the EU amounted to RM218.91 billion.
This represented a 5.9% increase from the previous year’s trade figures.
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The positive trade momentum continued into the first eight months of 2025.
Total bilateral trade reached RM145.60 billion during this eight-month period.
Leaders of ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste and external partners will convene in Kuala Lumpur for the three-day high-level regional meeting.
The summit aims to advance regional cooperation and discuss international issues under Malaysia’s Chairmanship.
This year’s ASEAN Summit carries the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’. – Bernama
