PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia hopes that New Zealand will facilitate more of its students to study energy transition and food technology in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"We have benefited from these exchanges in the past. There are New Zealand students in Malaysia, but also Malaysians over there that are increasing in number.
"And we have asked them to facilitate the possibility of getting more students to New Zealand, particularly the postgraduate in new areas where they have shown to have expertise including energy transition and of course food technology," Anwar said in a joint press conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Cristopher Luxon.
He also said that their bilateral session focused on enhancing collaboration in trade, investments, and research, particularly in areas like the halal industry.
"We acknowledged that it is unfortunate that, despite the significant potential and the strong relationship we have maintained for decades, if not nearly a century, we have not taken sufficient measures to enhance this collaboration."
"I will start having a cabinet meeting tomorrow and to use Luxon's advice and experience, things ought to be done fast and we will certainly take it up," Anwar said.
Luxon arrived in the country last night, for a three-day official visit, and was accorded an official welcome this morning at Dataran Perdana.
He was greeted by Anwar upon arrival before the national anthems of both countries were played.
Luxon then inspected the main guard of honour from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.
This is Luxon's first visit to Malaysia since taking office in November 2023.