Malaysia and Australia reaffirm commitment to boost bilateral cooperation across trade, education, agriculture and cybersecurity during leaders’ meeting.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, education, agriculture and cybersecurity.
This follows the Malaysia-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described discussions with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese as very candid and open.
“Many things have been very fruitful, very candid, very open,” Anwar said.
“Both of us are truly committed to enhancing bilateral relations in terms of serious trade, investment and ventures.”
He commended Australia’s strong presence in Malaysia, citing Monash University’s decision to operate from Tun Razak Exchange.
“The decision by Monash University to operate from TRX, a very prestigious area, is very impressive,” Anwar noted.
“It signifies a clear commitment on the part of Australia to take Malaysia very seriously.”
Both governments are working closely in key sectors such as halal operations, agriculture and education.
“Agriculture has been extremely successful, and there is no issue about that,” Anwar stated.
“We strongly depend on Australia to share its expertise and to allow our teams to work on improving not only production, but also irrigation.”
Discussions also touched on new areas of collaboration including energy, youth, sports and cybersecurity.
Anwar expressed appreciation for Australia’s stance on the Gaza conflict, acknowledging Canberra’s position supporting efforts to end hostilities.
“I am also thankful that you have taken a strong position on the cessation of hostilities in Gaza,” he said.
“Here in Malaysia, people are very passionate about this issue, and I know that in Australia as well, people feel strongly.”
Meanwhile, Albanese congratulated Anwar and Malaysia for successfully hosting the ASEAN Summit.
“Thank you so much, Prime Minister, and I thank you for the Leaders’ Meeting that we’ve held today,” Albanese said.
“But importantly as well, we congratulate you on your hosting of ASEAN. It has been enormously successful.”
Albanese said his government views Southeast Asia as central to Australia’s future.
“The investment of a billion dollars by Monash University is incredibly significant,” he noted.
“So, the economic relationship is in good shape. Our defence and security relationship is also in good shape.”
He highlighted the strength of people-to-people ties, noting that more than 500,000 Malaysians have received education in Australia.
These individuals have become ambassadors for the relationship between both nations. – Bernama
