Lima: Malaysia continues to reinforce its economic diplomacy by exploring strategic cooperation in the critical minerals sector, particularly with international partners in Latin America.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) stated that its Minister, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, held a strategic networking session with stakeholders, key industry players, and the business community from Peru, India, Chile, and Colombia. This session coincided with Arthur's working visit to Lima, Peru, where he is leading the Malaysian delegation to the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026.
The ministry emphasized that the special session serves as a platform to exchange views on the global economic landscape's development, especially concerning the natural resources sector, critical minerals, and efforts to strengthen supply chains supporting the global energy transition agenda.
Arthur highlighted in the statement that such platforms not only underscore Malaysia's potential in the global market but also act as a catalyst for more structured strategic dialogue. He noted that strong international relations are built through consistent engagement, mutual trust, and a deep understanding of each country's needs and strengths. He further mentioned that face-to-face meetings like this can create new opportunities to drive inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented economic growth.
NRES pointed out that the Latin American region, notably Peru, plays a significant role as a key contributor to global mineral supplies. Meanwhile, Malaysia continues to bolster its position as a competitive industrial hub by focusing on technological mastery, downstream processing, and sustainable value chain development. The ministry expressed that the synergy between regional strengths and Malaysia's capabilities will unlock vast opportunities for complementary cross-continental cooperation.
The networks established during Arthur's working visit to Peru are expected to lay the foundation for broader strategic cooperation in the future, thereby fortifying Malaysia's position in the global economic ecosystem. The ministry also reinforced Malaysia's commitment to upholding global economic diplomacy to ensure responsible and sustainable management of the country's natural resources and mineral assets, delivering maximum returns to the national economy and the well-being of its people.