Rome: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will undertake a series of visits to three countries – Italy, France, and Brazil – beginning July 1. This series of visits by the Prime Minister, beginning with a three-day official visit to Italy starting Tuesday, forms part of Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation at the global level.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia’s Ambassador to Italy, Datuk Zahid Rastam, noted that the Prime Minister’s inaugural visit to Italy is being undertaken at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Zahid emphasized that the visit aims to bolster bilateral relations between Malaysia and Italy across various sectors, highlighting the government’s commitment to exploring initiatives in trade, investment, defence, energy, and agro-commodities.
Zahid stated that during the official visit to Italy, the Prime Minister will be accompanied by five Cabinet ministers: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled Nordin, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Also part of the delegation is Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, senior government officials, and a corporate delegation from 13 Malaysian companies.
The Prime Minister and his delegation are expected to arrive at Fiumicino Airport in Rome on Tuesday evening and will host an engagement session with the Malaysian diaspora in Italy. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister will participate in the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable, involving over 50 companies and industry representatives from both countries.
Meetings with Imam Yahya Pallavicini, Vice President of the Comunita Religiosa Islamica Italiana (COREIS), and Abdellah Redouane, Secretary-General of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Italy, are also scheduled. On Thursday, the Prime Minister will be interviewed by Rai News 24 and hold a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi.
During the meeting, discussions will encompass bilateral cooperation in economic sectors, collaboration in defence, renewable energy, agro-commodities, and the digital sector. People-to-people cooperation, education, cultural exchanges, and regional and international issues will also be addressed.
Zahid highlighted the significance of this visit in reflecting the close ties between the two countries and reaffirming commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The visit is seen as a platform for articulating Malaysia’s foreign policy and ASEAN Chairmanship while elevating Malaysia-Italy relations towards a more strategic partnership.
In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Italy amounted to RM14.61 billion, with Malaysia exporting RM6.71 billion and importing RM7.89 billion from Italy. Italy is Malaysia’s fifth-largest trading partner among European countries.