KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and South Korea have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. This follows a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul today.
The Foreign Ministry in a statement said as strategic partners, both countries agreed to further enhance cooperation in four key areas, namely peace and security; economy; culture, education, and tourism; and regional and global.
Both leaders also agreed to increase high-level exchanges and policy consultations to bolster cooperation in defence and non-traditional security areas such as combating drug trafficking and cybercrime.
"The two nations also pledged to build on existing defence ties established under a 2022 memorandum of understanding, with a focus on research, development and military technology.
"Recognising South Korea's position as one of Malaysia's top investors, the partnership aims to drive mutual growth in areas such as the digital economy, green technology and the halal industry.
"Efforts will also be made to conclude a bilateral free trade agreement by 2025, as well as promoting trade and investment in emerging sectors," read the statement.
The longstanding Look East Policy, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, will continue to serve as a framework for economic cooperation, while new initiatives will focus on digital and ICT development, including 5G and artificial intelligence.
Acknowledging the importance of people-to-people exchanges, both countries will expand cultural, academic and tourism cooperation.
"Malaysia has welcomed the rise in South Korean tourists post-pandemic, and a new memorandum of understanding in tourism aims to further boost bilateral visits."
Educational exchanges were also highlighted, with a commitment to promoting technical and vocational education and enhancing language and cultural learning through institutions like the King Sejong Institute.
Malaysia and South Korea also reaffirmed their support for Asean centrality and the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
The leaders also discussed pressing global issues, including North Korea's ballistic missile launches and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
"Both sides advocated for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Gaza and have demanded an immediate, full and complete ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages and those arbitrarily detained, unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
"Malaysia and South Korea also condemned all actions that threaten the safety of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) and urged all parties to respect the safety and security of Unifil at all times. All parties should exercise maximum restraint and both parties emphasise that the only way forward is by breaking the vicious cycle of violence and retaliation and seeking a diplomatic solution."
The two leaders also called for the need for collective action on climate change, agreeing to collaborate on clean energy technologies, carbon-neutral policies, and sustainable agriculture.
The elevation of ties to a strategic partnership reflects decades of close collaboration since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960.
Anwar yesterday arrived in Seoul for a three-day official visit to South Korea to further strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and South Korea. Both countries will be celebrating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025.
Anwar was received by South Korea's Public Affairs Ministry spokesman and Deputy Minister, Lee Jaewoong, S. Korean Ambassador to Malaysia Yeo Seung Bae and Malaysian Ambassador to South Korea Datuk Mohd Zamruni Khalid.