The EU Delegation to Malaysia recently hosted a Media Night, bringing together journalists, media professionals, and EU Member State Ambassadors to celebrate the strong nexus between the EU and Malaysia.

The EU Ambassador to Malaysia His Excellency Rafael Daerr emphasised the deep and multifaceted nature of the EU-Malaysia partnership, noting the strong foundation built on mutual interests and shared values. The Ambassador shared personal anecdotes of his long-standing connection to Malaysia, expressing excitement to further strengthen ties during his tenure.

He also highlighted the impressive scale of EU-Malaysia cooperation, citing substantial trade volumes, significant EU foreign direct investment in Malaysia, and successful collaborations in areas like 5G technology. He expressed his view that these achievements, while substantial, often go under-recognised, and stressed the importance of increasing visibility and political attention to the relationship.

The Ambassador emphasised the potential of the Prime Minister’s to further solidify the partnership between the EU and Malaysia, besides outlining three key messages for the evening. First, he underscored the strength and mutual benefit of EU-Malaysian relations. Second, he positioned both the EU and Malaysia as crucial trading hubs, suggesting they are “made for each other” as partners committed to sustainability, security, and multilateralism. Third, he highlighted Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship as a prime opportunity to broaden cooperation at the regional level.

The Ambassador acknowledged the positive momentum in bilateral relations, particularly since the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). He noted that while there have been challenges, such as those related to palm oil, these have been addressed through open dialogue and engagement. He also noted Malaysia's leading role in sustainable palm oil production.

The Ambassador emphasised the EU's commitment to genuine partnerships, highlighting the Global Gateway strategy as a prime example. He cited the Port of Lumut Maritime Industrial City project as a flagship initiative in Malaysia, demonstrating the EU's investment in sustainable infrastructure. He also stressed the importance of maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, referencing joint exercises and port calls by European naval vessels.

Climate change and environmental protection were also key themes. The Ambassador commended Malaysia’s carbon neutrality target and highlighted various EU-funded projects supporting environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation.

Addressing global geopolitical issues, the Ambassador spoke to the EU's stance on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasising the importance of upholding international law and seeking peaceful resolutions. He stressed that these conflicts affect both Europe and Malaysia and require collaborative efforts to protect fundamental principles. He also highlighted the EU's extensive humanitarian aid efforts in the Middle East and other conflict zones.

Turning to trade, the Ambassador emphasised the EU's position as a major trading partner for Malaysia. He highlighted the ongoing discussions surrounding the EU-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expressing hope for a positive outcome and its potential to further boost economic ties.

Looking beyond bilateral relations, the Ambassador emphasised the importance of the EU-ASEAN partnership. He highlighted the potential for collaboration between the two regional organisations for the benefit of their combined populations.

The Ambassador concluded by reiterating his commitment to enhancing the visibility of the EU in Malaysia and fostering stronger connections with the Malaysian media community. He expressed his hope that, with the support of the media, greater mutual understanding and further opportunities for cooperation can be achieved.