South Korean President and Malaysian PM Agree to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation, Target FTA

Seoul, The Gulf Observer: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in a mutually beneficial and substantive manner, including advancing efforts to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations within this year.

The understanding was reached during the leaders’ first official phone conversation on Monday, according to South Korea’s presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. The talks focused on expanding the strategic partnership between South Korea and Malaysia, which this year celebrates the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

“The two leaders agreed to work together to further expand mutually beneficial and substantive cooperation in a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, infrastructure, digital transformation, green growth, and defence,” Kang said, highlighting the anticipated conclusion of the South Korea–Malaysia FTA as a key milestone in bilateral economic relations.

President Lee reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries, founded on decades of mutual trust and goodwill.

The two leaders also acknowledged their countries’ roles in the regional and global context, sharing the view that South Korea and Malaysia can jointly contribute to strengthening international cooperation. South Korea is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, while Malaysia will chair meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) later this year.

During the conversation, Prime Minister Anwar congratulated President Lee on his recent inauguration, to which President Lee expressed his gratitude.