July-August. 2025 | @ green

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Strong support for Vietnam’ s renewable energy ambitions and regional cooperation

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Malaysia welcomed potential investment opportunities in renewable energy projects in southern Vietnam, particularly seabed cable initiatives that could reinforce two-way energy networks between the two countries.

He said the discussions with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh were set to continue at the Asean Summit in October. The meeting served as an opportunity to assess the progress of cooperation between Malaysia and Vietnam in multiple areas, including trade, investment, defence, security, maritime affairs, fisheries, green energy, and petroleum.

Tackling illegal fishing and marine sustainability

Anwar emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation to combat illegal and unregulated fishing activities, which continue to affect marine resources in the region. He expressed the view that a more constructive approach could be developed to ensure the sustainability of marine resources and maintain good relations between the two countries.

The leaders also discussed shared priorities, including measures to protect the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing and to preserve stability in maritime areas. Broader diplomatic engagements Anwar’ s meeting with the Vietnamese Prime Minister was part of a wider programme of high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at deepening Malaysia’ s international partnerships.

He also met Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, with both sides agreeing to further elevate their relationship through cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Discussions also touched on the latest developments in Gaza and the humanitarian situation in Iran, reflecting Malaysia’ s ongoing attention to global humanitarian concerns.

Commitment to multilateralism and trade reforms

During the same series of meetings, Anwar held talks with World Trade Organisation( WTO) director general Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Their discussions focused on Malaysia’ s commitment to multilateralism and the importance of maintaining an inclusive and responsive global trade system.

Malaysia conveyed its full support for comprehensive reforms to the WTO, stressing that the

Regional Ties: Anwar Ibrahim and Pham Minh Chinh discuss strengthening bilateral relations in trade, security, and sustainable energy.

organisation needed revitalisation to navigate current challenges such as digital trade and climate-related policies. The government also maintained that such reforms must not undermine the rights of developing nations.

By advocating for changes that balance economic growth with fairness for less developed economies, Malaysia aimed to ensure that the WTO remains relevant in addressing the realities of 21st-century trade.

Strengthening regional and global cooperation

The discussions with Vietnam, Egypt, and the WTO formed part of Malaysia’ s broader diplomatic strategy to strengthen ties both regionally and globally. The Asean Power Grid, in particular, reflects Malaysia’ s recognition that regional energy interconnectivity can foster mutual economic growth while supporting the shift towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.

Vietnam’ s renewable energy projects, especially the seabed cable initiatives, have the potential to play a pivotal role in achieving Asean’ s collective goal of a more resilient energy network. Malaysia’ s support underscores its willingness to contribute to a future where energy flows more freely across borders, reducing dependency on non-renewable resources and enhancing regional stability.

Beyond energy, Malaysia’ s commitment to tackling illegal fishing highlights the link between environmental sustainability and economic security. By working closely with Vietnam to manage shared maritime resources, both countries can protect biodiversity, safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities, and minimise tensions over fishing rights.

Addressing humanitarian and trade issues

Malaysia’ s engagement with Egypt also reflects the country’ s focus on building stronger ties with key partners in the Middle East and Africa. Discussions on the situation in Gaza and Iran’ s humanitarian needs demonstrated Malaysia’ s readiness to contribute to dialogue and relief efforts in conflictaffected regions.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’ s call for WTO reforms reinforces its desire to see a trading system that adapts to modern challenges. Digital trade presents significant opportunities for global economic growth but also raises complex questions about regulation, access, and fairness. Similarly, environmental policies linked to trade must balance climate goals with the development needs of less affluent nations.

By promoting an inclusive approach, Malaysia aims to ensure that trade rules do not disadvantage developing economies while still supporting innovation and environmental stewardship.- @ green