MELBOURNE, March 5 — Malaysia will discuss Australia's interest in strengthening ties with Asean and continuing cooperation with the region at the Asean-Australia Special Summit tomorrow, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is leading the Malaysian delegation to the summit, said that as a sign of Australia's seriousness in fostering closeness with Asean, the country announced a AU$2 billion (RM6.15 billion) fund yesterday for investment and collaboration in various fields within Asean.
“The agenda is still tied to Asean-Australia cooperation, investment issues, collaboration in addressing internal issues related to digital matters, energy transition. These are among the issues we need to discuss," he said in a press briefing with Malaysian journalists tonight.
Anwar will also take the opportunity to express appreciation to Australia and New Zealand, which have stated their support for efforts to stop the attacks in Gaza and their desire to provide humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the visit to Australia is not only to strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Australia by both Prime Ministers, but also to provide clarity on several matters deemed previously ambiguous.
“This is especially an effort to make Australia a country which can provide cooperation in energy transition and digital transformation because they have expertise.
“Prime Minister (Anwar) has given strong views on behalf of our country and Asean, especially regarding Malaysia and Asean's stance on the atrocities in Gaza.
“Australia sees Asean as a gateway to the world; they look to Asean before other parts of the world. Asean is a very important region for Australia,” he said.
Mohamad said that besides announcing the aid fund to Asean, Australia is also granting frequent business travellers to the country a 10-year visa to facilitate travel.
— Bernama
