MALAYSIA, AUSTRALIA UNDERSCORE COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL TIES ACROSS KEY SECTORS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, education, agriculture, cybersecurity and regional peace.

This followed a fruitful Malaysia-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting (ALM) held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described discussions with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, as very candid and open, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, investment and joint ventures.

“Many things have been very fruitful, very candid, very open. Both of us are truly committed to enhancing bilateral relations in terms of serious trade, investment and ventures,” he said.

He commended Australia’s strong presence in Malaysia, citing Monash University’s decision to operate from Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) as a clear commitment on the part of Australia to take Malaysia very seriously.

“The decision by Monash University to operate from TRX, a very prestigious area, is very impressive. It signifies a clear commitment on the part of Australia to take Malaysia very seriously and now, with the involvement of the bank and the port facility, I commend the Prime Minister for this commitment and support,” he said.

Anwar said both governments are also working closely in key sectors such as halal operations, agriculture and education.

“Agriculture has been extremely successful, and there is no issue about that. We strongly depend on Australia to share its expertise and to allow our teams to work on improving not only production, but also irrigation,” he said.

He added that discussions also touched on new areas of collaboration, including energy, youth, sports and cybersecurity, while reaffirming the importance of people-to-people ties through education.

Anwar also expressed appreciation to the Australian government for its stance on the Gaza conflict, acknowledging Canberra’s clear position in supporting efforts to end hostilities and enable humanitarian assistance.

“I am also thankful that you have taken a strong position on the cessation of hostilities in Gaza. Here in Malaysia, people are very passionate about this issue, and I know that in Australia as well, people feel strongly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Albanese congratulated Anwar and Malaysia for successfully hosting the ASEAN Summit, describing the outcomes as enormously successful and vital to regional progress.

“Thank you so much, Prime Minister, and I thank you for the Leaders’ Meeting that we’ve held today. But importantly as well, we congratulate you on your hosting of ASEAN. It has been enormously successful,” he said.

Albanese said his government views Southeast Asia as central to Australia’s future, citing the Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 as a key framework driving increased two-way trade and investment in the region.

“The investment of a billion dollars by Monash University is incredibly significant, and I look forward to watching the progress that occurs there. So, the economic relationship is in good shape. Our defence and security relationship is also in good shape,” he said.

He also highlighted the strength of people-to-people ties, noting that more than 500,000 Malaysians have received education in Australia, becoming ambassadors for the relationship between both nations.

-- BERNAMA