EU, Malaysia relaunch free trade pact negotiations
'While some turn inwards towards isolation and fragmentation, Europe and Malaysia are choosing a different path,' says Ursula von der Leyen
By Burak Bir
LONDON (AA) - The European Union and Malaysia have agreed to relaunch the free trade agreement negotiations, president of the European Commission announced on Monday.
"Today, Europe and Malaysia are taking an important step forward together," Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, announcing the relaunch of negotiations for an EU-Malaysia free trade pact.
It comes as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is visiting Europe.
Saying that this "excellent" development comes at a critical time, von der Leyen noted that geopolitical tensions are escalating, and the risk of instability is growing.
"While some turn inwards towards isolation and fragmentation, Europe and Malaysia are choosing a different path: reaching out, building partnerships, and creating new opportunities for our people."
She stated that Europe remains dedicated to "advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific," where both sides share significant interests and responsibilities.
The European Commission president reminded that trade between Malaysia and the EU currently is worth €45 billion (some $46.7 billion) annually, and vowed to unlock "even greater benefits" for businesses and consumers, especially for industrial products.
Prime Minister Ibrahim also had talks with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Brussels.
"We’re committed to taking our partnership to the next level! I am looking forward to visiting Kuala Lumpur in July for the ASEAN Regional Forum," Kallas wrote on X.
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