BRUSSELS, Jan 18 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will undertake a two-day working visit to Belgium beginning tomorrow, soon after concluding his visit to the United Kingdom.
The Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) said this will be the Prime Minister’s maiden visit to Belgium since assuming office, aimed at deepening Malaysia’s bilateral relations with Belgium and the European Union (EU).
He will be accompanied by Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
During the visit, Anwar is scheduled to meet Caretaker Prime Minister Alexander De Croo to discuss Malaysia-Belgium bilateral relations and intensify cooperative endeavours, as well as to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
he will also meet European Council President António Costa, and both leaders are expected to discuss ways to deepen Malaysia-EU ties and regional cooperation.
As the current Asean chair, the Prime Minister will highlight Malaysia’s priorities and Asean's global aspirations in addressing international challenges, while exploring ways to further strengthen Asean-EU dialogue relations.
Wisma Putra said Anwar will also emphasise Malaysia’s conviction towards strengthening regional peace, stability, and prosperity within an inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented framework.
During the visit, he will deliver a keynote speech at the College of Europe titled 'Bridging Regions: Strengthening Southeast Asia-European Resilience.'
From January to November 2024, Malaysia's bilateral trade with the EU, including Belgium, amounted to a significant RM200 billion (US$3.71 billion).
To date, 1,345 manufacturing projects with EU participation have been implemented in Malaysia, attracting a total investment of RM239.9 billion (US$59.80 billion) and creating 155,933 jobs.
After the two-day visit, Anwar will depart for Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos.
— Bernama
