Putrajaya, 1 November 2023(TDI): Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte met with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Seri Perdana today to enhance their bilateral relations.
Rutte came to Malaysia yesterday for a two-day visit, his second time in this country since 2014. He was welcomed by Anwar at the prime minister’s official residence around noon.
They talked about the relations between Malaysia and the Netherlands and shared their views on regional and global issues of common interest. Anwar invited Rutte for a lunch to honour his visit to Malaysia.
In 2022, the Netherlands was the 14th biggest trading partner of Malaysia and the second biggest in the EU with a trade value of RM48.04 billion, a rise of 33.4% from RM36.01 billion in 2021.
The Netherlands also bought the most Malaysian palm oil among EU countries with 732,324.54 tonnes.
Anwar said the meeting was a good opportunity for both countries to find new ways of working together, especially in trade, investment, innovation, education, and culture.
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Rutte said he admired Malaysia’s economic growth and social harmony, and complimented Anwar for his leadership and vision.
He also confirmed the Netherlands’ pledge to improve the bilateral ties with Malaysia, as well as to support regional peace and multilateralism.
Both leaders also agreed to cooperate closely to tackle common problems such as climate change, pandemic recovery, and human rights.
The meeting was followed by a joint media briefing where Anwar and Rutte announced some plans to further boost the bilateral relations.
Anwar and Rutte also saw the exchange of some deals between Malaysian and Dutch firms in various sectors, such as renewable energy, biotechnology, logistics, and aerospace.
Rutte will end his visit tomorrow by meeting with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana, and visiting some Dutch businesses and cultural institutions in Kuala Lumpur.
