Anwar wants Malaysia-Egypt education ties to go beyond Islamic studies

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met in Putrajaya today, discussing expanding Malaysia-Egypt educational cooperation beyond Islamic studies. Anwar emphasized the importance of including fields such as engineering, medicine, electrical and electronics, digital technology, and artificial intelligence in their collaboration.

He praised Al-Azhar University for its role in promoting moderation through Islamic education. The Malaysian leader expressed gratitude for Egypt's support in establishing an Arabic center in Malaysia following the visit of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayeb. Anwar also called for enhanced defense cooperation between the two nations, despite the geographical distance.

Prior to the joint press conference, Anwar and El-Sisi held a private meeting and engaged in bilateral discussions on trade, investment, regional, and international matters. The leaders also signed four memoranda of understanding focusing on women's empowerment, higher education, tourism, and investment. Egyptian President El-Sisi is on a two-day state visit to Malaysia, his first since assuming office in June 2014.

Last year, Egypt became Malaysia's seventh-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade valued at RM3.08 billion. In the first eight months of this year, Malaysia's exports to Egypt reached RM2.55 billion, while imports amounted to RM530 million, marking a 74.7% increase from the same period last year.