Malaysia and Egypt Announce Upgrade of Bilateral Relations to Strategic Partnership Level

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 10 (KUNA) -- Malaysia and Egypt announced on Saturday the upgrading of their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, in an effort to enhance cooperation across various fields to serve the mutual interests of the two countries. This was stated in a joint statement issued by the Malaysian Royal Palace on the occasion of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s state visit to Malaysia.

The statement quoted Malaysia’s Sultan Ibrahim as saying that the declaration of a strategic partnership during the Egyptian president’s visit reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation, noting that their relations are built on a close and enduring friendship based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.

The statement added that Sultan Ibrahim conferred upon President el-Sisi the Order of the Crown of Malaysia, the country’s highest national honor, in recognition of his state visit, expressing his pleasure at the visit, which underscores the robust friendship between the two nations.

In the joint statement, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and President el-Sisi affirmed that upgrading bilateral relations to a strategic partnership aligns with the commitment announced in Cairo on November 10, 2024. They clarified that both sides reiterated their shared interest in accelerating efforts to build a more vibrant and resilient partnership across all sectors, contributing to global prosperity and stability.

They acknowledged the importance of regular dialogue through existing bilateral institutional mechanisms and agreed to hold the second meeting of the Joint Committee and the second round of bilateral consultations at the earliest opportunity.

The two leaders held extensive and in-depth discussions covering all aspects of bilateral relations, including political ties, trade, investment, defense and security cooperation, the digital economy, energy, agriculture, health, education, tourism, and people-to-people ties, as well as regional and international issues of common concern.

They praised the growing economic partnership between Malaysia and Egypt and agreed to enhance trade and investment, encouraging business-led cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, the halal industry, education, technical and vocational training, digital transformation, renewable energy, infrastructure, automotive manufacturing, manufacturing industries, and semiconductors.

They affirmed that the strategic location of both countries qualifies them to serve as gateways to the markets of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Arab world, Africa, and Europe.

They also emphasized the importance of strengthening defense and security relations, people-to-people exchanges, scholarships, capacity building, and academic cooperation through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme.

They stressed the significance of expanding research, language programs, student exchanges, religious and Arabic studies, and scientific and technical programs, and encouraged national airlines to cooperate in enhancing air connectivity, tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties.

Regarding ASEAN, Malaysia expressed support for the Egyptian proposal to institutionalize relations with the association by seeking sectoral dialogue partner status. Egypt joined the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2016, a step welcomed by Malaysia as part of the broader context of Egypt’s relations with ASEAN. (End) EAB / TMA