KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia is seeking strengthened economic and trade ties with Poland while reaffirming the importance of free and open trade, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Polish President Andrzej Duda said here on Tuesday.
They reaffirmed the importance of adhering to internationally accepted trade norms and multilateral engagement and cooperation, as this would be mutually beneficial, the leaders said in a joint statement during Duda's official visit to Malaysia from June 9 to 11.
"The leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to open and inclusive trade and a fair, rules-based international trading system. They strongly reaffirmed their support for the swift advancement of the Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA) negotiations and stressed the importance of concluding the agreement at the earliest opportunity," they said.
"Both sides agreed to promote balanced trade by reducing economic barriers, enhancing consultation mechanisms between relevant ministries, and fostering collaboration amongst business communities," they said, adding that friendly bilateral cooperation will facilitate cooperation in a number of new and emerging fields such as the digitalization of public services, green transition, particularly the hydrogen economy and renewable energy and the maritime economy.
Anwar and Duda also agreed to cooperate on security matters, including enhancing the exchange of experiences and coordination in combating crime, including organized and international crime.
Poland is Malaysia's important trading partner among EU member states. Malaysia's main exports to Poland include electrical and electronic products, rubber products and machinery, while main imports from Poland consist of machinery, equipment and spare parts, electrical and electronic products, and transport equipment. ■
