Seoul: President Yoon Suk Yeol and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to establish a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors including defense, trade, energy, and supply chains.According to Yonhap News Agency, the agreement was reached during a summit held as part of Prime Minister Anwar's three-day official visit to South Korea, which commenced on Sunday. The joint declaration issued by the two leaders emphasizes broadening collaboration as both nations celebrate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.Defense industry collaboration was underscored as a "symbol of mutual trust" within this strategic partnership. Both leaders agreed to advance cooperation in areas such as research, development, and defense technologies. Notably, Korea Aerospace Industries had already signed a deal in May 2023 to supply 18 FA-50 jets to Malaysia and is eyeing Malaysia's upcoming project for additional light attack jets.The leaders also committed to fina lizing negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement by next year. This agreement aims to foster cooperation in services, investment, and emerging industries like biotechnology and green energy. Additionally, memorandums of understanding were signed to facilitate cooperation in critical mineral supply chains, carbon capture and storage technologies, greenhouse gas reduction initiatives, and tourism.During their discussions, both leaders expressed concerns over the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and condemned North Korea's ballistic missile tests. They called on Pyongyang to cease further provocations and comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions, reaffirming their commitment to the "complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization" of North Korea.Prime Minister Anwar also expressed his support for President Yoon's vision of a free and unified Korean Peninsula and welcomed South Korea's peace efforts in the region.
- October 12, 2026
