Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani engaged in a comprehensive dialogue today to enhance the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Qatar. The discussions were held on the sidelines of the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, coinciding with the 46th ASEAN Summit.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the two leaders focused on various strategic areas, including investment, trade, defence cooperation, energy, digital connectivity, and education. Anwar highlighted the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Qatar, which has been growing over the past five decades.

Both parties expressed their commitment to exploring new cooperation opportunities that would benefit their nations. They also agreed to expedite several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that are yet to be finalized. Anwar emphasized Malaysia's dedication to strengthening the relationship further, hoping for a long-lasting partnership.

The Qatari delegation at the meeting included Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal Thani Al-Thani, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, and Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Khulaifi. Qatar is part of the GCC, along with Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The ASEAN-GCC Summit, initially held in 2023 in Riyadh, aims to foster cooperation between Southeast Asia and the Gulf region.