Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and South Korea have agreed to continue expanding strategic cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, green transition, digitalisation, and defence, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This development follows a discussion during a courtesy visit by South Korean President’s Special Envoy Kim Young Choon, who is currently on a working visit to Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated on Facebook that both countries have pledged to enhance their collaboration in these critical sectors. He highlighted that South Korea ranks as Malaysia’s eighth-largest trading partner, with total trade between the two nations reaching US$23.94 billion (RM113 billion) last year.

The Prime Minister also welcomed South Korea’s intention to finalize a free trade agreement and a memorandum of understanding in the defence industry by October. Both nations exchanged views on the upcoming 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place in Gyeongju, South Korea, from Oct 31 to Nov 1. This will mark the third occasion South Korea has hosted the summit, following previous events in 1991 and 2005.

Anwar expressed Malaysia’s support for South Korea’s leadership at the APEC summit, emphasizing the importance of driving a progressive and inclusive regional agenda. Furthermore, he extended an invitation to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit, which is set to be held in Kuala Lumpur this October.

The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with South Korea to achieve lasting regional peace and prosperity.