Malaysia, Egypt seek higher-level partnership after 67 years of diplomatic ties (UPDATED)

PUTRAJAYA, October 10 — Malaysia and Egypt are poised to strengthen their trade and investment ties, enhance flight connectivity, and explore new avenues of economic collaboration during a Joint Commission meeting early next year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced. The meeting, a product of cooperation between the nations' foreign ministers, aims to capitalize on the burgeoning bilateral relationship.

Anwar revealed that bilateral trade had surged by 74.7 per cent this year, though he emphasized the trade figures were growing from a modest starting point, leaving ample room for further expansion. "This phenomenal increase this year, rising to 74.7 per cent of trade, is from a very, very low base," he noted. Speaking at a joint press conference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during the latter's state visit to Malaysia, Anwar highlighted several sectors in which Malaysia sees significant potential for collaboration with Egypt.

These include semiconductors, electrical and electronics (E&E), agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. He also pointed to the possibility of Egypt emerging as a vital source of pharmaceutical products for Malaysia, among other Brics countries. "Egypt has the potential to become a destination for sourcing pharmaceuticals," Anwar stated.

Improved air connectivity, including more frequent flights, would be crucial in facilitating trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries, Anwar asserted. He regarded Egypt as a pivotal player in the Arab world and Africa, asserting that closer engagement would broaden Malaysia's opportunities to expand its economic presence in the region.

Earlier today, Anwar and his Egyptian counterpart engaged in a four-eyed meeting at the Seri Perdana Complex, marking a crucial step towards elevating Malaysia-Egypt relations to a strategic partnership following more than six decades of diplomatic ties. This meeting, coinciding with El-Sisi's state visit to Malaysia, offered both leaders a platform to review bilateral cooperation, identify new areas of collaboration, and exchange perspectives on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

As of 2025, Egypt ranks as Malaysia's seventh-largest trading partner in Africa, with total bilateral trade valued at RM3.08 billion (US$0.72 billion). Malaysia's exports to Egypt totaled RM2.55 billion (US$0.60 billion), while imports reached RM530 million (US$0.12 billion). From January to August 2026, bilateral trade experienced a notable rise of 74.7 per cent, reaching RM3.49 billion (US$0.87 billion).