Anwar, El-Sisi Hold Talks to Elevate Malaysia-Egypt Relations to Strategic Partnership

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a one-on-one meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Seri Perdana Complex here today.

The meeting marked a significant step towards elevating Malaysia-Egypt relations to a strategic partnership after more than six decades of diplomatic ties.

Held in conjunction with El-Sisi’s two-day state visit, the meeting provided an opportunity for both leaders to review bilateral cooperation, explore new areas of collaboration and exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

The Egyptian President, who is making his first state visit to Malaysia since assuming office in June 2014, arrived at the complex at 12.58pm to attend several official events aimed at strengthening political, economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The programme began with a guestbook-signing ceremony and an official photography session before Anwar and El-Sisi proceeded with their closed-door meeting.

The two leaders were scheduled to chair bilateral discussions involving delegations from both countries, focusing on efforts to expand cooperation in key sectors, particularly trade, investment and economic development.

Among the Cabinet ministers present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Also present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani; and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

The meeting included discussions on a proposal to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, reflecting Malaysia and Egypt’s shared commitment to strengthening cooperation at a higher level.

Both leaders were scheduled to witness the exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

A joint press conference was scheduled to take place after the bilateral discussions, during which Anwar and El-Sisi were expected to outline the outcomes of their meeting and the future direction of Malaysia-Egypt relations.

Anwar was also scheduled to host an official afternoon tea reception in honour of the Egyptian President.

The event also featured an exhibition showcasing the latest Proton Saga and Modenas models, highlighting Malaysia’s automotive industry and homegrown brands.

The meeting took place amid growing economic ties between Malaysia and Egypt, with bilateral trade surging 74.7 per cent to RM3.49 billion (USD0.87 billion) in the first eight months of 2026.

In 2025, Egypt was Malaysia’s seventh-largest trading partner among African countries.

Malaysia’s total trade with Egypt amounted to RM3.08 billion (USD0.72 billion), comprising Malaysian exports to Egypt worth RM2.55 billion (USD0.6 billion) and imports from Egypt valued at RM0.53 billion (USD0.12 billion).

Malaysia and Egypt established diplomatic relations in 1959 and have maintained close cooperation in various fields, including education, trade and investment, as well as active engagement on regional and international platforms.

El-Sisi’s state visit, at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, is expected to open a new chapter in bilateral relations and provide fresh momentum towards stronger strategic and economic cooperation between the two countries.

BERNAMA