Anwar visits Keralam to explore new areas of cooperation

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to embark on his inaugural visit to Kerala, aiming to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two regions. The Malaysian consul-general to South India, K Saravana Kumar, anticipates the trip will spark new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in wellness tourism, education, trade, and investment.

Kerala is famed for its Ayurveda practices, a blend of traditional and modern medicine, and could offer valuable insights to Malaysia's burgeoning wellness tourism sector. Moreover, tourism already plays a pivotal role, with significant cross-border travel between Malaysia and South India, especially to Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Anwar's tour will include a meeting with the grand mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, and discussions on community development, educational progress, and interfaith unity.

This visit follows Anwar's participation in the BRICS Leaders' Summit in New Delhi. The prime minister's itinerary also encompasses exploring Kerala's natural beauty, cultural heritage, sustainable development initiatives, and clean energy projects. Business engagements with Indian industry leaders and corporate figures are slated, promising fresh avenues for investment and partnership.

Additionally, Anwar is set to converse with Kerala's chief minister, V D Satheesan, and governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, to discuss enhancing bilateral ties in sectors like trade, tourism, healthcare, and education.