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MALAYSIA and Guinea-Bissau are set to elevate their bilateral ties by positioning one another as strategic entry points to ASEAN and Africa, respectively, in a move to expand trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Putrajaya, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the visit by President General Umaro Sissoco Embaló — his first official visit to Malaysia since taking office in February 2020 — as a pivotal step in strengthening relations between the two countries.
“Of course, Guinea-Bissau and Malaysia have had very low-key engagements in the past. That’s why I think President Umaro’s visit is very significant,” said Anwar.
“He has that vision to work with us, to engage with Malaysia as a base for the ASEAN region, and we accept Guinea-Bissau’s role in expanding our relations in trade, investment, and other fields.”
Anwar revealed that President Embaló was scheduled to meet with Malaysian conglomerates Petronas and FGV to explore joint ventures and opportunities in both countries — not just domestically, but as platforms to access wider regional markets.
The leaders also discussed collaborative efforts in halal certification, Islamic banking and finance, as well as capacity-building in semiconductors, energy, and food technology. Malaysia, Anwar said, is prepared to offer technical assistance through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), overseen by the Minister of Plantations and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Ghani.
“We are ready to offer some assistance, as we have done under the MTCP,” he said.
On matters of international diplomacy, Anwar noted that Embaló maintained strong ties with key global and regional powers including the United Arab Emirates, France, Russia, the United States, and various African states. He said this global engagement aligns well with Malaysia’s approach of multilateral diplomacy and ASEAN centrality.
“I think we, as a trading nation, and with Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s policy of centrality, engage with all countries — and this aligns closely with the position taken by President Umaro,” said Anwar.
“So I would say that this is going to be your second home, and we, my colleagues and the people of Malaysia, are extremely glad that you have now taken the initiative to forge this new, close relationship based on trust and affinity with Malaysia.”
President Embaló responded by affirming his commitment to seeing the discussions translated into action, stating that his foreign minister had been instructed to work closely with Malaysian counterparts.
He praised Malaysia’s advances in education, healthcare and industry, saying Guinea-Bissau hoped to emulate its success.
“We want to be the key for Malaysia in Africa, and Malaysia can be the key for us — not just in Asia, but in the world,” he said.
Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau established diplomatic relations in November 1974. Ties have remained warm over the decades, with both nations cooperating within multilateral frameworks including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
In 2024, bilateral trade stood at RM4.1 million, with Malaysian exports to Guinea-Bissau valued at RM4.04 million and imports recorded at RM60,000. - June 4, 2025
