Italy, Malaysia Set To Usher In New Era Of Bilateral Relations - Ambassador

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali
 

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Italy and Malaysia are poised to usher in a new era of bilateral relations, catalysed by renewed commitment and strategic engagement between leaders of both countries, said Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Raffaele Langella.

He said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Rome in July, which marked the first visit by a Malaysian leader in 36 years, has paved the way to revitalise cooperation and partnership.

“There have always been long-standing, strong relations between our two countries, but in the last year or so, the pace of engagement has accelerated.

“This meeting (Anwar’s visit to Rome) allowed us to re-energise the relationship, moving from good ties to a systematic, regular political dialogue. We are now ready to start a new page in bilateral relations,” he said in an interview on Bernama TV’s The Nation, Diplomatic Dispatch on Tuesday.

The ambassador said Italy is also keen to strengthen its presence in Malaysia, particularly in the economic sector.

“Trade relations are growing, but the focus must shift from mere markets to real partnerships,” he said.

He said Italy seeks to create networks between Italian and Malaysian companies, with cooperation promoted through the embassies in Rome and Kuala Lumpur.

“My priority is to strengthen the Italian presence here, especially in business partnerships. It may be more in our interest, but our aim is long-term cooperation,” he said.

Formal diplomatic ties between the two nations were established in 1957.

In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Italy reached RM14.61 billion (US$3.18 billion).

For the January to May 2025 period, total trade registered a further growth of 3.3 per cent year-on-year to RM6.5 billion (US$1.48 billion).

Italy remains Malaysia’s fifth-largest trading partner and the third-largest importer of Malaysian palm oil among European Union member states in 2024.

-- BERNAMA