PM receives courtesy call from Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today received a courtesy call from Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who is currently in Malaysia to attend the 6th Malaysia-Australia Annual Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

During the meeting at the Parliament building, the two leaders discussed, among others, efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in economy, defence, cybersecurity, and higher education ahead of the 70th anniversary of Malaysia-Australia diplomatic relations in 2025.

Australia also expressed support for Malaysia as it prepares to take on the significant responsibility of chairing ASEAN next year.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to extend another invitation to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to attend the ASEAN Summit in 2025.

The theme for Malaysia's upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship will be 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', reflecting Malaysia's intention to guide ASEAN towards equitable, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

At the meeting which lasted about 30 minutes, Australia also expressed sympathy to Malaysia for the floods currently affecting the country.

Also present was Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

According to Wisma Putra, Malaysia and Australia have established a strong diplomatic relationship since 1957.

In 2023, Australia was Malaysia's largest trading partner, the primary export destination, and the largest source of imports among countries in the Oceania region, with a total trade value of RM84.64 billion (US$18.56 billion).

-- BERNAMA