Malaysia, Poland pledge closer collaboration in higher education, culture and law enforcement

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Poland have pledged to expand bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors including education, culture, tourism, law enforcement and global security, following the official visit of Polish President Andrzej Duda to Malaysia.
In a joint statement issued today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Duda reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination in combating crime, including organised and transnational crime, illegal immigration, and human trafficking.
Both leaders recognised the crucial role of the private sector and people-to-people ties in advancing bilateral relations, and agreed to promote exchanges in education, science, vocational training, culture, national heritage preservation and tourism.
The two sides also emphasised the importance of fostering institutional collaboration in higher education and research. They expressed hope for the early conclusion of negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Higher Education between Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education and Poland's Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
In the cultural sphere, Anwar and Duda acknowledged the importance of archaeological exchanges and the conservation of national heritage, while supporting efforts to build direct ties between academic and cultural institutions of both nations.
On tourism, both leaders welcomed efforts to improve direct air connectivity between Malaysia and Poland. They encouraged airlines and tour operators from both countries to explore expanded routes and package tour offerings to boost tourism, cargo transport, and people-to-people ties.
The joint statement also highlighted Poland's successful application to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, which was endorsed by ASEAN. President Duda expressed gratitude to Malaysia for its support and leadership during the process.
Looking beyond bilateral matters, the two countries pledged to collaborate in reinforcing an open and free international system based on the rule of law, the United Nations Charter, and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Both leaders also highlighted the need to address pressing global challenges, including worsening regional security, climate change, resource security, cybersecurity, health threats, and protectionism.
They stressed the importance of enhancing pandemic preparedness, integrated disease surveillance, and robust public health response capabilities.
Duda, who is on his first official visit to Malaysia, was accorded a formal welcome at Perdana Putra Complex earlier today.
The visit underscores the strong and friendly relations between Malaysia and Poland, which have been built on mutual respect and close cooperation since diplomatic ties were established in 1971.
In 2024, Poland was Malaysia's eighth-largest trading partner among European Union member states, with total bilateral trade rising by 19.5 per cent to US$1.33 billion (RM5.66 billion) compared to 2023.
Malaysia's major 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.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Express

an hour ago

• Daily Express

Asean travel meet as yearly event mooted

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 Text Size: Liew (4th right) with other guests and the organisers at the welcome dinner. From left: Dr Maklarin, Julinus, Wong, Lai, Eddy, Tan, Noredah, and Captain Fareh. Kota Kinabalu: Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew suggests that the inaugural Asean Travel Exchange 2025 (ATEX 2025) be made an annual event. She raised the subject to the applause of 500 delegates from 15 countries at the welcome dinner hosted by her at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru (Star) on Thursday. 'An event of this nature is conducive to promoting travel and cultural exchanges, making new connections, building rapport and strengthening existing ties among Asean member countries,' Liew said, while urging the President of the Federation of Asean Travel Associations (FATA), Datuk Tan Kok Liang, who was present, to look into her suggestion. For tourism growth, the Minister, who was the guest of honour, also proposed reciprocal visits among the 10 member countries, saying ASEAN tourism must seize new opportunities and create new adventures. Speaking to the delegates, Liew said: 'If it's your first time in Sabah, I encourage you to explore beyond the venue. From the iconic Mount Kinabalu, a symbol of strength and unity, to vibrant markets and islands full of life, Sabah welcomes you with more than just beauty; it offers unforgettable experiences. 'As Malaysia is the Chairman of Asean this year, ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder that our greatest strength lies in the unity of its people and purpose. It invites us to celebrate the bonds of friendship and shared purpose that bring us together. Advertisement 'As the inaugural dinner of the Asean Travel Exchange, tonight also marks the beginning of a new tradition of unity through tourism.' The participating countries were Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, India, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan and South Korea. ATEX 2025 was jointly organised by Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta), Federation of AseanTravel Associations (FATA) and Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) and Tourism Malaysia. Strategic partners included AirAsia and Jetama Water. Among the guests were Permanent Secretary to KePKAS Datuk Josie Lai, Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking, President of ASEANTA Eddy Krismeidi, President of MATTA Nigel Wong, and CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra. Also present were Chairman of Sri Pelancongan Sabah, Ken Pan, Director of Sabah Parks Dr Maklarin Lajim, Director of Sabah Wildlife Department, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, CEO of STB Julinus Jeffery Jimit, and CEO of SCB Noredah Othman. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

New Straits Times

2 hours ago

• New Straits Times

[UPDATED] KLIA's aerotrain system operational next month

SEPANG: Kuala Lumpur International Airport's (KLIA) long-awaited aerotrain service is set to resume operations at 10am on July 1, following a major infrastructure upgrade that began over the past years. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the system has entered its final phase of testing, including a critical emergency response plan (ERP) drill involving Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) staff and emergency teams. "This aerotrain will undergo several final tests in the coming days, including one of the most important– our emergency response drill, to see how we respond in the event of any emergency. "If everything goes smoothly, I am pleased to announce that the KLIA aerotrain service will resume operations and begin serving passengers at 10am on July 1, which is in about 10 days," he said during a media preview of the service, here. The KLIA aerotrain, which connects the main terminal building and the satellite building, has been out of service due to delays in the upgrading work where passengers had to rely on shuttle buses. Loke said although the aerotrain will resume operations, the bus service will still be maintained. "Although the aerotrain will be back in operation, our shuttle bus service will also be maintained. Both services will be available for use if necessary." He said integration between both services is key to ensuring smooth passenger movement within KLIA's Terminal 1. "This is part of the integration steps we want to ensure that all passenger travel and movement within KLIA, especially at Terminal 1, runs smoothly." Loke also said the new aerotrain set consists of three coaches, with a total capacity of 270 passengers per trip. "Two train sets will operate in alternation, while a third set will be kept as a backup. "There are three coaches, each carrying 90 passengers. So for three coaches, one trip can carry 270 passengers. Two trains will operate alternately, and we have three sets in total." He also said that during peak hours, both tracks will be in use and only one track will operate during its "engineering hours" to allow for servicing and upkeep of the system. He added that safety was a top priority, and all trials are being monitored by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), which must approve the system before operations begin. "Safety is very important. That's why we took time to carry out various tests. These tests are, of course, monitored by APAD." Loke said the resumption of the aerotrain is timely, with Malaysia set to host several Asean meetings later this year and welcome more international visitors in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. "KLIA, of course, is our major gateway in Malaysia, and we are looking forward to the resumption of the aerotrain to make the entire process at KLIA even smoother. "This year is important because we are the chair of Asean, and by 2026, it is a major year for Malaysia's tourism because we are hosting Visit Malaysia Year. So the resumption of the aerotrain is a very important part of that preparation." Originally scheduled for completion by January this year, the aerotrain replacement project has faced multiple delays. The first train was supposed to be operational by July 2024, with full service covering the 1.5km track set for March 2025. The service has been suspended since March 2023.

Barnama

2 hours ago

• Barnama

Panama Declares State Of Emergency After Violent Protests

Protestors react at the Pan-American Highway as the police shot tear gas during Embera people's protest against social reforms, mining and the Memorandum of Understanding between Panama and the US concerning the canal and other aspects of mutual cooperation, in Arimae, Panama, June 5, 2025. REUTERS/Enea Lebrun BOGOTA (Colombia) June 21 (Bernma-Anadolu) -- The Panamanian government declared a five-day state of emergency on Friday in the western province of Bocas del Toro, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. The decision follows a surge of violence during protests against a social security reform, which culminated in the forceful takeover of an airport and the offices of a multinational banana company. The declaration temporarily suspends certain individual rights, including freedom of movement and assembly, for the duration of the emergency. bootstrap slideshow "We took this measure to prevent radical and criminal groups from gathering to organise acts of violence, vandalism, and endangering property," Presidency Minister Juan Carlos Orillac said at a news conference after President Jose Raul Mulino urgently convened a Cabinet meeting. Protesters reportedly looted the facilities of Chiquita Panama, a prominent banana company, late Thursday in Changuinola, a town within the Bocas del Toro province. They also set fire to a soccer stadium and seized control of the Changuinola Airport, where vehicles were stolen from rental companies and personal belongings taken from terminal offices. The government has described it as "vandalism" and argued that the increase in violence in the area is "politically motivated." "The National Government informs the country that the situation in the province of Bocas del Toro has escalated dangerously in recent hours, as a result of acts of violence perpetrated by radicalised groups and criminal elements who have infiltrated the demonstrations," the government said Thursday night. Mulino deployed 1,500 police units to Bocas del Toro earlier this week in "Operation Omega" to clear blocked roads. The operation has resulted in at least 55 arrests, several injuries and the death of a young man, which is currently under investigation. Protests against the social security reform initially began nationwide in April, headed by teachers' and construction workers' unions, who initiated a strike. In May, banana workers in Bocas del Toro joined the strike, arguing that the proposed law negatively affects their benefits.