Anwar Arrives in Brussels for Belgium Visit

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Brussels, Belgium on Sunday for a two-day working visit, following his conclusion of a working visit to the United Kingdom. The prime minister’s aircraft landed at Brussels Airport at 2 pm local time, where he was welcomed by Malaysian ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, Datuk Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak, and Belgium’s deputy chief of protocol.

During the visit, Anwar will be accompanied by several cabinet ministers, including the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, the Minister of Higher Education, and the Minister of Plantation and Commodities. A key development on the decision to restart negotiations on the stalled Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement is expected during the visit.

The negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement started in 2010 but stalled in 2012 over Malaysia’s concerns about the EU’s palm oil procurement policies and sustainability clauses. Following his arrival, Anwar attended a gathering with about 200 Malaysian diaspora in Belgium and Luxembourg. He also held a meeting with the president of the Muslim Council of Belgium.

This visit marks Anwar’s maiden visit to Belgium since assuming office in November 2022. He is expected to discuss trade, the Middle East, and the Russia-Ukraine crisis during his meeting with the leadership of Belgium and the EU. Anwar will also meet with the caretaker Prime Minister of Belgium and several high-ranking EU officials to discuss ways to deepen Malaysia-EU ties.

As the current chair of ASEAN, Anwar will take the opportunity to highlight Malaysia’s priorities during the visit. The priorities are part of the Malaysian chairmanship, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” Anwar will conclude his visit by delivering a keynote speech at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.