Malaysia and Poland strengthen trade and security cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Poland have agreed to strengthen their economic partnership by lowering trade barriers and boosting cooperation in key sectors such as agri-food.
Both countries also pledged to work more closely to combat organised crime, illegal immigration, and human trafficking.
In a joint statement following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Polish President Andrzej Duda, both leaders said economic cooperation is an essential pillar of bilateral relations.
"Both sides agreed to promote balanced trade by reducing economic barriers, enhancing consultation mechanisms between relevant ministries, and fostering
collaboration amongst business communities.
"The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and boosting bilateral trade in the agri-food sector," they added.
Duda arrived in Malaysia yesterday for a three-day official visit to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation.
In 2024, Poland ranked as Malaysia's 8th largest trading partner among European Union member states, with total bilateral trade rising by 19.5 per cent to RM5.7 billion compared to 2023.
Malaysia's primary exports to Poland include electrical and electronic products, rubber products and machinery, while key imports from Poland consist of machinery, equipment and parts, electrical and electronic products and transport equipment.
The leaders agreed to support for the swift advancement of the Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA) negotiations and stressed the importance of concluding the agreement at the earliest opportunity.
They also pledged to advance bilateral cooperation through joint initiatives in economic and digital transformation, focusing on key sectors including the digitalisation of public services, green transition, particularly the hydrogen economy and renewable energy among others.
Anwar also welcomed Poland's swift ratification of the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between Malaysia and the European Union (MEUPCA).
The leaders also reiterated their commitment to deepen cooperation in security and defence, building upon cooperation in areas of mutual benefits.
They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the exchange of experiences and coordination in combating crime, including organised and international crime, illegal immigration, and human trafficking.
Anwar and Duda also recognised the vital role of the private sector and people-to-people connections in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Malaysia and Poland.
"As such, they affirmed their commitment to expanding people-to-people exchanges in areas such as education, science, vocational training, culture, national heritage preservation, and tourism," they said.
They also welcomed efforts and encouraged airlines of both countries, as well as tour operators, to enhance direct air connectivity and expand package tour offerings to promote tourism, facilitate cargo transport, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges between Malaysia and Poland.
Duda also extended his thanks to Anwar and invited him to visit Poland, expressing hope that the friendly and productive dialogue between both countries will continue.
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