Malaysia and Myanmar agree to deepen bilateral cooperation

Malaysia and Myanmar have agreed to deepen bilateral relations through people-centric cooperation. During a meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing committed to enhancing collaboration in sectors including trade, investment, education, agri-food, energy, and healthcare.

Economic ties between the two nations have shown significant growth, with bilateral economic activities increasing by more than 140 per cent year-on-year between January and August. President Min Aung Hlaing noted that Malaysia serves as Myanmar’s fourth-largest trading partner and ninth-largest investor.

Addressing domestic complexities, Prime Minister Anwar acknowledged the challenges within Myanmar’s multi-ethnic landscape and welcomed the Myanmar government’s stated commitment to engage with all parties to avoid further escalation of violence. Additionally, the leaders discussed the repatriation of undocumented Myanmar nationals; Anwar noted that 10,493 citizens have been returned via air and naval vessels so far this year, with Myanmar pledging to expedite these processes.