Poland, Malaysia to forge stronger economic, strategic partnerships

The matter was discussed in a bilateral meeting between Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who was on a one-day visit to Malaysia on Tuesday, Sept 3.

"Both sides also discussed increasing trade and investment cooperation, as well as strengthening existing partnership in defence, higher education, agriculture, and tourism," Malaysia's Foreign Ministry, Wisma Putra, said in a statement Tuesday.

This was Sikorski's first visit to Malaysia since his appointment in December 2023. He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Defence Pawel Ksawery Zalewski and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Michal Kolodziejczak.

Wisma Putra said that both sides underscored their shared commitment to advancing the mutually beneficial relations following the momentum set by the 2nd Bilateral Consultation between the foreign ministries in Warsaw in June this year.

The ministry said both ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"Malaysia expressed support to Poland's application to become a High Contracting Party to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC)," it said.

According to Wisma Putra, as the upcoming President of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025, Poland affirmed its support for Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship next year.

"Malaysia also expressed optimism that Poland would play a pivotal role in strengthening the ASEAN-European Union Strategic Partnership," the statement said.

Sikorski also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to further discuss the long standing bilateral ties between Malaysia and Poland, which exhibit great potential for expansion.

"They also discussed the prospect of cooperation in new areas, particularly in green technology and the digital economy," the ministry said, adding that Sikorski also reiterated the invitation for Anwar to visit Poland in 2025.

In 2023, Poland emerged as Malaysia's 8th largest trading partner within the European Union.

Between January and July 2024, Malaysia's total trade with Poland increased by 14.7 per cent to RM3.05 billion (US$0.65 billion) from RM2.66 billion (US$0.57 billion) recorded in the corresponding period in 2023.

-- BERNAMA