Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, education, agriculture, cybersecurity, and regional peace. This followed a fruitful Malaysia-Australia Annual Leaders' Meeting (ALM) held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described discussions with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, as very candid and open, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and joint ventures. Anwar commended Australia's strong presence in Malaysia, citing Monash University's decision to operate from Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) as a clear commitment on the part of Australia to take Malaysia seriously.

Anwar noted that both governments are also working closely in key sectors such as halal operations, agriculture, and education. He emphasized the successful collaboration in agriculture, where Malaysia depends on Australia to share its expertise to improve production and irrigation. Discussions also touched on new areas of collaboration, including energy, youth, sports, and cybersecurity, while reaffirming the importance of people-to-people ties through education.

Anwar expressed appreciation for the Australian government's stance on the Gaza conflict, acknowledging Canberra's clear position in supporting efforts to end hostilities and enable humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, Albanese congratulated Anwar and Malaysia for successfully hosting the ASEAN Summit, describing the outcomes as vital to regional progress.

Albanese highlighted Southeast Asia as central to Australia's future, citing the Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 as a framework for increased two-way trade and investment in the region. He also highlighted the strength of people-to-people ties, noting that more than 500,000 Malaysians have received education in Australia, becoming ambassadors for the relationship between both nations.