Malaysia values French support in energy transition and economic transformation

MALAYSIA appreciates France’s continued support for its national energy transition and economic transformation agenda, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his official visit to Paris on Friday.

The Prime Minister conveyed this during a meeting with François Bayrou, France’s High Commissioner for Planning, where both leaders explored new avenues for strategic cooperation. Anwar described the discussions as a “new chapter” in Malaysia–France relations.

He said, “We value France’s support, particularly through the active involvement of its companies in our national transformation agenda.”

Their discussions spanned a wide range of high-value sectors including aerospace, semiconductors, the automotive industry, clean energy, defence, education, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Anwar also underscored the importance of Airbus’s commitment to delivering the A330 Neo aircraft to Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), highlighting the move as essential for sustaining efficient operations and investment in Malaysia’s aviation sector.

He noted that Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has also expressed strong confidence in French technology through its ongoing purchases of Airbus aircraft, further strengthening industrial ties between the two nations.

Anwar, who is in France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival in Paris—a gesture he described as a mark of mutual respect and longstanding diplomatic relations. He was received by French Minister for the Economy and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Eric Lombard, at a formal ceremony held at the Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum) in Les Invalides, which included the inspection of a guard of honour.

Anwar is scheduled to meet President Macron at the Élysée Palace. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, investment, renewable energy, defence, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, semiconductors, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“France remains one of Malaysia’s top five trading partners within the European Union, and I believe our relationship will continue to grow in line with our shared aspirations for inclusive and sustainable progress,” Anwar said.

In 2024, bilateral trade between Malaysia and France reached RM15.95 billion (USD 3.63 billion), with RM6.26 billion (USD 1.49 billion) recorded between January and May alone.

Anwar also extended an invitation for Bayrou to visit Malaysia as part of efforts to further solidify ties between the two nations. - July 4, 2025