KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a high-level meeting today with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, focusing on strengthening the strategic partnership between Malaysia and Egypt.
Anwar said the discussion covered opportunities in key sectors, including investment, trade, palm oil, the halal industry, education, tourism, healthcare, and the development of natural resources and renewable energy.
"I conveyed Malaysia's appreciation for Egypt's support of our participation in BRICS, underscoring our shared commitment to enhancing economic collaboration and sustainable development," he said in a Facebook post.
Anwar also said they addressed the issues of Palestine and the escalating tensions in Lebanon, emphasising the need for a more proactive approach from both nations to address the crises.
"We discussed the urgent and concerning situation in Palestine, acknowledging Egypt's significant efforts, alongside those of Qatar and the United States, in seeking a resolution to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the aggression of the Zionist regime.
"We also expressed deep concern over the intensifying conflict in Lebanon, which threatens regional stability.
"We agreed on the need for both nations to adopt a proactive and resolute stance to halt the violence, protect lives, and uphold the principles of universal justice," he said.
Anwar expressed confidence that ties between Malaysia and Egypt would continue to grow, fostering mutual prosperity and closer cooperation for the benefit of both countries' citizens.
Earlier today, Anwar arrived in Egypt for a four-day official visit at the invitation of President El-Sisi.
The special flight carrying the Prime Minister and his delegation landed at Cairo International Airport at 6.30pm (local time), where they were received by Egypt's Prime Minister Dr Mustafa Madbouly, Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt Datuk Mohd Tarid Sufian, and other officials.
Egypt was Malaysia's fifth-largest trading partner among African nations last year, with bilateral trade valued at RM3.35 billion.
From January to September 2024, bilateral trade reached RM3 billion, marking a 21.4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
This year's trade value is expected to exceed last year's figures.