Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in the UAE for a three-day visit, attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. He aims to enhance bilateral relations and engage in key discussions, including the signing of the Malaysia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Anwar’s visit highlights the importance of sustainability and economic cooperation, showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to fostering strong ties with the UAE.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commenced a three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aimed at attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and strengthening bilateral ties between Malaysia and the UAE. Landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Sunday, the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by UAE officials, including Minister of State Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, along with Malaysian leaders.
This visit, at the invitation of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marks Anwar’s second trip to the UAE since assuming his role. Accompanying the Prime Minister are notable figures such as Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Minister of International Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
Among the chief activities scheduled, Prime Minister Anwar will participate in the opening ceremony and Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony at ADSW, where he will engage with heads of state from various regions. The theme for this year’s ADSW is “The Nexus of Next. Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” emphasizing innovative approaches to sustainability.
Moreover, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai to foster cooperative efforts across sectors of mutual interest. Notably, during this visit, the signing of the Malaysia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is anticipated, a critical step towards enhancing trade and investment prospects for both nations.
Malaysia’s trade with the UAE has showcased substantial growth, with figures from January to November 2024 indicating a value of RM39.53 billion (approximately US$8.61 billion). This affirms the UAE’s status as Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East, reflecting a strong economic relationship that has continued to flourish.
The visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the UAE is part of a broader initiative to enhance diplomatic relations and economic collaboration between Malaysia and the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a prominent global event focusing on sustainability, innovation, and partnerships, thus providing an ideal platform for Malaysia to showcase its commitment to sustainable development and to engage with other nations on shared goals. Furthermore, the signing of the Malaysia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a pivotal step in strengthening bilateral economic ties, signifying the mutual interest in fostering trade and investment. Historically, the UAE has been a significant trading partner for Malaysia within the Middle East region, marking a framework for future cooperation and economic growth. Anwar’s attendance at major events like ADSW also reflects Malaysia’s strategic positioning in global sustainability discussions, emphasizing its role within ASEAN and the broader international community.
In summary, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to the UAE is a significant engagement aimed at promoting sustainability, enhancing bilateral relations, and fostering economic partnerships. With pivotal discussions planned with UAE leadership and attendance at the ADSW, the visit underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and international cooperation. The forthcoming signing of the CEPA further solidifies the economic ties, paving the way for enhanced trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. Such engagements are indicative of both countries’ aspirations to strengthen their diplomatic and economic relations in the coming years.
Original Source: thesun.my
