Brussels: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to tackle key issues regarding trade, the Middle East, and the Russia-Ukraine crisis during his working visit to Belgium, starting Sunday. Malaysian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, Datuk Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak, confirmed that Malaysia’s stance on these issues will be communicated in Anwar’s engagements with Belgian and EU leaders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, developments in Palestine will also be a focal point during the visit, with the Belgian government expressing its sympathy for the situation in Gaza. The visit marks Anwar’s inaugural trip to Belgium since taking office, and he is accompanied by a delegation that includes Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Anwar’s itinerary in Brussels includes a meeting with Alexander De Croo, the caretaker Prime Minister of Belgium, on Monday. The discussions are anticipated to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, higher education, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

While in Brussels, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet with EU officials, starting with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. This will be followed by a four-way meeting with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, at the Europa Building.

Mohd Khalid Abbasi highlighted that the meeting with the EU will provide a platform to exchange views on cooperation in sustainability, the Malaysia-European Union Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (MEUPCA), and the Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA). Additionally, as the current Chair of ASEAN, Anwar plans to emphasize Malaysia’s priorities under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability.’

On Monday afternoon, Anwar will deliver a keynote speech titled ‘Bridging Regions: Strengthening Southeast Asia-European Resilience’ at the College of Europe (COE) in Bruges. The session will be moderated by College of Europe Rector Federica Mogherini, a former Foreign Minister of Italy.

Anwar’s visit will commence on Sunday with a social gathering involving approximately 200 members of the Malaysian diaspora in Belgium and Luxembourg. He is also expected to meet with the president of the Muslim Council of Belgium, the country’s sole official Islamic organization, representing nearly one million Muslims, primarily of Moroccan descent.