Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia and Jordan are looking to enhance strategic cooperation in high-tech industries, focusing on sectors such as semiconductors and advanced technical education to cultivate a larger workforce of engineers and skilled workers for future industry needs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted these priorities following his meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II during the King's two-day state visit to Malaysia. The discussions centered around reinforcing bilateral ties in higher education, skilled human capital development, emerging technologies, and the semiconductor ecosystem.
The talks also explored the potential for collaboration in developing advanced technical education and training centers, with an emphasis on producing more engineers and skilled workers. Additionally, Anwar mentioned discussions on expanding trade and investment, including a possible free trade agreement, tariff restructuring, strengthening supply chains, and cooperation in various sectors such as energy, transport, the halal industry, and tourism.
Geopolitical developments in West Asia, particularly in Palestine and Syria, were also on the agenda. Both leaders agreed on the urgency of ending atrocities against Palestinians, with Anwar affirming Malaysia's commitment to championing Palestinian rights and enhancing humanitarian aid, especially for Gaza. The Jordanian monarch expressed appreciation for Malaysia's support of the Palestinian cause.
Anwar expressed his hope that the meeting would elevate Malaysia-Jordan relations through closer economic and technological cooperation and shared commitments to peace and global justice. The state visit marked King Abdullah's second visit to Malaysia since 2008, commemorating over six decades of diplomatic relations established in 1965.
Before departing, King Abdullah had a 30-minute audience with Anwar at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, to discuss strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached RM993.4 million in 2025, a 15.2% increase from 2024, and trade from January to August 2026 rose by 8% year-on-year to RM740.7 million.