Putrajaya:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a significant meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Seri Perdana Complex, marking a pivotal step in advancing Malaysia-Egypt relations to a Strategic Partnership after more than 60 years of diplomatic ties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the meeting coincided with President El-Sisi's two-day State Visit to Malaysia, his first since taking office in June 2014. This visit aims to strengthen political, economic, and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The session began with a guestbook-signing ceremony and an official photography session before the leaders engaged in a closed-door meeting. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, and economic development. These talks were part of a broader agenda to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.

Several Cabinet ministers, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, were present at these discussions. The leaders were also set to oversee the exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to reinforce cooperation.

The bilateral trade between Malaysia and Egypt saw a substantial increase, with a 74.7 percent rise to RM3.49 billion (US$0.87 billion) in the first eight months of 2026, surpassing the RM3.08 billion (US$0.72 billion) recorded in the entirety of 2025. This growth underscores the expanding economic potential between the two nations.

Egypt was Malaysia's seventh-largest trading partner in Africa in 2025, with exports amounting to RM2.55 billion (US$0.60 billion) and imports at RM530 million (US$0.12 billion). Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Egypt date back to 1959, with ongoing cooperation in education, trade, and investment.

President El-Sisi's visit, initiated at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, is anticipated to enhance bilateral ties and foster deeper strategic and economic cooperation.