Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Cairo yesterday for a four day official visit to Egypt, following an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. His arrival, marked by a special flight, was received warmly at Cairo International Airport at 6:30 pm local time. On hand to greet him were Egypt’s Prime Minister Dr. Mustafa Madbouly, Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt Datuk Mohd Tarid Sufian, and other high-ranking officials.
Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister inspected the Static Guard of Honour, a ceremonial unit of 16 personnel, at the Presidential Arrival Hall. This visit underscores the close ties between Malaysia and Egypt and seeks to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. Anwar’s delegation includes several key Malaysian officials: Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, as well as other government representatives.
Anwar’s schedule today includes an official welcoming ceremony at the Al Ittihadiya Palace, where he will be received with formal honours. Following this, he is set to have a private meeting with President El Sisi. This will lead into a larger bilateral discussion, allowing both leaders to address topics of shared interest and explore new avenues for collaboration. The meeting is expected to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, including education, trade, and investment.
A key highlight of the visit will be the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). One notable MoU is between Malaysia and Al Azhar Al Sharif, focusing on strengthening collaboration between Al Azhar’s Faculty of Islamic Studies and Malaysian educational institutions. Another MoU will address religious affairs cooperation, further solidifying cultural and spiritual bonds between Malaysia and Egypt.
Later in the afternoon, Anwar will deliver a public lecture at the prestigious Al-Azhar University, a respected institution that holds historical significance in Islamic education and thought. This lecture is anticipated to touch on themes of education, cultural exchange, and Malaysia’s role in the global Islamic community. In addition, he is scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion with prominent industry leaders in Egypt, an event that provides a platform to discuss opportunities for business collaboration and economic growth.
Egypt ranks as Malaysia’s fifth largest trading partner within the African region. Last year, the bilateral trade volume between the two countries reached RM3.35 billion. This year, the trade figures have shown remarkable growth, with trade value reaching RM3 billion from January to September 2024, reflecting a significant 21.4 percent increase over the same period in 2023. Experts predict that this year’s trade volume will surpass last year’s, highlighting the positive economic momentum between Malaysia and Egypt.
Anwar’s visit to Egypt not only reflects Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing its international partnerships but also emphasizes Malaysia’s interest in expanding its influence and collaborations within the African continent. This diplomatic effort reinforces Malaysia’s position as a proactive and engaged player on the global stage. Through this visit, Anwar aims to deepen the longstanding ties between Malaysia and Egypt, fostering mutual growth and development in various sectors.
Source: Malay Mail
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