Paris: Malaysia remains committed to elevating its ties with Canada, covering strategic sectors such as trade and investment, defence cooperation, clean energy, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. This was conveyed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is currently on an official visit to France, to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a phone call, where he also congratulated Carney on his Liberal Party’s recent victory in Canada’s Federal Election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed his support for PETRONAS’ continued involvement in the LNG Canada project. This project is seen as a significant symbol of energy cooperation between the two countries and holds the potential to drive future green and energy transition initiatives. The Prime Minister emphasized that as members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Malaysia and Canada share a commitment to upholding the principles of free, open, and multilateral trade that is fair and inclusive.

Anwar also raised the hope that Canada would reconsider its visa exemption policy for Malaysian citizens, aligning it with the treatment granted to other Commonwealth countries. This move is anticipated to strengthen people-to-people ties and expand multilateral exchanges. Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of enhancing the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, expressing optimism that negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement could be concluded promptly for mutual benefit.

The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to Carney to make an official visit to Malaysia soon, aiming to further strengthen the friendship between both nations.