Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has hailed Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent two-day visit to France as a significant success, marking a revival of partnerships across multiple sectors between the two nations. Macron emphasized the importance of Anwar’s high-level engagements with French officials, including his counterpart Fran§ois Bayrou, and his noteworthy address at Sorbonne University Paris.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the visit marked the first official visit by a high-ranking Malaysian official to France in 15 years. Macron expressed his satisfaction with the signing of agreements in critical areas, such as minerals and aircraft purchases, strengthening bilateral ties. The visit also included Anwar’s call for a recalibrated partnership between Southeast Asia and Europe during a lecture at Sorbonne University.
Macron highlighted the strengthening of France’s relationships with Malaysia and ASEAN, underscored by his earlier visits to Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore. He reiterated France’s support for regional electricity connectivity and civil nuclear energy in Southeast Asia.
During the visit, Anwar invited President Macron to Malaysia following his attendance at the 20th Francophonie Summit in Cambodia next year, while acknowledging the strengthening ties under Macron’s leadership. The visit also saw Malaysian airlines, such as Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, expanding their fleets with French collaborations, and Sarawak developing its airline sector in partnership with France.
In the energy sector, Petronas is partnering with French companies for joint ventures in Latin America and Africa. A significant development was AirAsia’s agreement to purchase US$12.25 billion worth of Airbus 321XLR aircraft, with deliveries scheduled by 2028.
Anwar also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between 3P Capital Advisers and Ardian, a French private investment firm, aimed at exploring private market investment opportunities. This initiative is expected to provide Malaysians with broader access to alternative investments.
In meetings with French companies, Anwar discussed future expansions with Imerys, a mineral processing company, and potential new investments in Malaysia with Arkema, a specialty chemicals leader. Anwar was accompanied by several Malaysian ministers, reflecting the high-level nature of the visit.
France remains a vital trading partner for Malaysia within the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching RM15.95 billion in 2024. Following his visit to France, Anwar is scheduled to attend the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Brazil.