Egypt, Malaysia agree on enhancing ties, condemn Israeli wars on Gaza and Lebanon, ink new deals

CAIRO – 10 November 2024:  Egypt and Malaysia issued a statement on the occasion of the official visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Egypt, which coincides with the sixty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the both countries. The two leaders of the states witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements during the visit. 

On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Malaysia, and at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, paid an official visit to Egypt from 9 to 12 November 2024. 

The two leaders held talks on 10 November 2024 and made in-depth discussions on bilateral relations and exchange of views on global issues of interest.

Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Egypt is the second as Prime Minister of Malaysia, and reflects the growing relations that are mutually beneficial to the two countries. The two sides agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership in the near future, as an incentive to ensure further progress and development for both countries, as well as to support their efforts towards creating a stable, just and equitable world.

President Sisi and Anwar Ibrahim agreed to further strengthen political relations, through increasing the high-level visits between the two countries. In this regard, Malaysia is scheduled to host the second meeting of the Egyptian-Malaysian Joint Committee and bilateral consultations as soon as agreed upon by both parties.

Additionally, the two leaders discussed the potential of the two countries' economies, expressing their confidence in the continued growth of mutual trade and investment. 

They also appreciated the efforts made to deepen business-led cooperation in the fields of digital economy, agricultural commodities, infrastructure development in the field of renewable energy, transportation and maritime transport, as well as cooperation in the industrial sector and semiconductor manufacturing. 

The two sides highlighted that the comprehensive trade and investment relations between the two countries are based on the common interest of the principles of free and fair trade. They also agreed on the importance of the free trade agreements of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in achieving the benefits of both countries.

President Sisi and the Malaysian Prime Minister Shells light on the strong bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defence and security. They agreed to take the necessary measures to enhance and expand cooperation in these areas. This includes regular dialogue and consultations, information exchange, joint training, counter-terrorism initiatives and combating transnational crimes, such as cybersecurity threats and cryptocurrency fraud. The establishment of the Malaysian Military Attaché Office in Cairo in May 2024 underscores Malaysia’s commitment to making continuous efforts to deepen and strengthen cooperation with Egypt in the field of defence.

They also stressed the importance of continuing cooperation in the fields of higher education and training between the two countries. In this context, Malaysian Prime Minister expressed that his country is looking forward to the Egyptian friendship initiative in providing more scholarships for Malaysian students to study in Egyptian higher education institutions. The two sides also discussed ways of cooperation between the relevant ministries to address various issues and develop cooperation in this field.

Culturally, the both leaders praised the cultural exchange between Egypt and Malaysia in strengthening the relations between the peoples of the two countries. They also agreed to continue attracting students and experts from the two countries to develop their studies and research and work together to maintain the positive momentum that characterizes this cooperation.

Regarding the ASEAN group, Malaysia appreciated Egypt’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and Cooperation with ASEAN in 2016, and Egypt’s expression of its desire to enhance work with ASEAN countries to support peace, stability and cooperation. 

Malaysia, as the Chair of the ASEAN Group 2025, expressed its readiness to work closely with Egypt to strengthen relations between ASEAN and Egypt. Malaysia also encouraged Egypt, based on its important role as a founding member of the African Union, to strengthen its partnership with ASEAN.

As for the escalating developments in the Middle East, both sides agreed on the need to advocate for peace and security in the region. They discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and condemned the Israeli war on Gaza. Malaysia also expressed its appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance provided by Malaysia to the Palestinians, who are in dire need in the Gaza Strip. 

Both sides also reaffirmed the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to establish an independent State of Palestine, and urged the UN Security Council to consider Palestine’s application for full membership in the United Nations in line with resolution A/RES/ES10/23 adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 May 2024.

Furthermore, the two sides condemned Israel’s continued violations of international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. They also condemned Israeli acts violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, through its ongoing incursions into Lebanon and airstrikes, which have resulted in the deaths of more than 2,000  innocent civilians and extensive damage to infrastructure. 

They also called for the need for an immediate ceasefire to end this humanitarian catastrophe and the importance of preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State of Lebanon. The two sides expressed their full support for the Lebanese state and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 in order to ensure peace and security in the region.

The two sides affirmed their commitment to intensifying efforts to address issues related to climate change, and agreed to adopt a balanced approach between climate ambitions and sustainable development.

With regard to BRICS, both sides welcomed the approval by the BRICS leaders at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia on 23 October 2024 to adopt the BRICS Partner Countries category, which includes the joining of new 13 countries. Malaysia hopes to work closely with Egypt and other BRICS members towards full membership in the BRICS and promote the Global South agenda.

Egypt and Malaysia announced that they look forward to accelerating ending several pending memoranda of understanding and agreements, in order to move forward with more dynamic and effective cooperation in various fields. On this occasion, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim witnessed during the visit the signing and exchange of a memorandum of understanding between the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments and the Department of Islamic Development in Malaysia in the field of Islamic affairs.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Egyptian government and the Egyptian people for the warm welcome and reception. He also expressed his and his country’s aspiration for President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to pay a state visit to Malaysia at the appropriate time in the future.