Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday underscored the need for further expanding cooperation between Malaysia and Bangladesh into new and emerging areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), energy and semiconductors.
“We are looking at a comprehensive partnership in all fields, not limited to trade and investment, but extending to research, new science, new technology, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, as these are the challenges for our people in the future,” he said while addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at Perdana Putra, the office of the Malaysian Prime Minister at Putrajaya.
Anwar Ibrahim said the two countries will also strengthen cooperation in trade, investment promotion, culture, counterterrorism and research, noting that Bangladesh’s vast market and economic potential offer significant opportunities for deeper engagement with Malaysia.
“Bangladesh is a big country with enormous potential. Together, we should enhance our bilateral trade and investments and expand cooperation in new areas beyond agriculture, including energy, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors,” he said.
On labour migration, the Malaysian Prime Minister described Bangladeshi workers as vital to Malaysia’s economy, saying both governments agreed to work closely to ensure a more transparent and fair labour migration system that safeguards the rights and interests of workers and their families.
He also said the two sides discussed cooperation in the petroleum sector, education, culture and tourism, alongside efforts to strengthen broader economic ties.
Anwar Ibrahim said Bangladesh and Malaysia will continue working together to address the Rohingya refugee crisis, including through engagement with Myanmar and relevant ASEAN mechanisms, to seek a sustainable solution.
Touching on global issues, he said the two countries share common positions on Palestine and supported efforts to promote peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.
The Malaysian Prime Minister expressed confidence that stronger bilateral cooperation will further deepen the long-standing friendship between the two nations and deliver mutual benefits for their people.
At the outset of his remarks, Anwar Ibrahim thanked Tarique Rahman for accepting his invitation and choosing Malaysia for his first official foreign visit since assuming office.