Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Berlin, the German capital, for his official visit to Malaysia’s largest trading partner among European Union countries.
The Prime Minister’s aircraft landed at the Berlin Brandenburg Airport at 10.29pm on Sunday, which was 5.29am on Monday in Malaysia.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysia’s Ambassador to Germany Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin, and German government officials were present to receive the premier at the airport.
On Monday, Anwar is set to visit Siemens Energy, hold a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and pay a courtesy call on President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The discussions between the leaders are expected to focus on the progress of Malaysia-Germany relations, specifically in areas such as economic cooperation, education, environment, and sustainability. They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest.
During his six-day visit, Anwar will meet with industry leaders and potential investors from companies like Schott AG, Infineon Technologies AG, Melexis, and Airbus. He will also engage with the Malaysian diaspora in Germany.
Accompanying Anwar are Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
While in Berlin, the Prime Minister will speak at the Körber Foundation, a non-profit organization focusing on social and political issues. He will also deliver a keynote address at the SME Future Day 2024 hosted by the German Association of Small and Medium-sized Businesses.
In Hamburg, Anwar will attend the 101st East Asia Friendship Dinner hosted by the German Asia-Pacific Business Association and deliver a speech.
Anwar’s visit to Germany is expected to strengthen the long-standing relations and multifaceted cooperation between Malaysia and Germany, according to Wisma Putra.
Germany has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner among EU countries since 2000, while Malaysia is Germany’s largest trading partner among ASEAN member states.
In 2023, Malaysia’s total trade with Germany grew by 5.9% to RM63.45 billion (US$13.90 billion) compared to RM59.87 billion (US$13.62 billion) in 2022. – Bernama
