KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -- Malaysia and the European Union have announced the resumption of negotiations for a free trade deal, 12 years after talks were put on hold over a disagreement related to the Southeast Asian country's palm oil industry. The decision was made following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's working visit to Brussels on Sunday.

PM Anwar Ibrahim envisions Malaysia as a hub for electricity, talent, and supply chain diversification, emphasising oil and gas and semiconductor expertise.

As Malaysia exits an era of political turmoil, its fifth prime minister in the last six years is pushing to transform the country into a tech hub.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to address issues on trade, the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine crisis during his working visit

BRUSSELS: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived for a two-day working visit to Belgium, as well as meeting leaders of the European Union (EU) on Sunday (Jan 19).

As his country assumes the Asean chair for 2025, Anwar Ibrahim faces the challenge of reconciling his ideals with thorny global realities.

Malaysia’s economic outlook for 2024 and beyond is increasingly positive as the country emerges as a beacon of growth and resilience in Southeast

The foreign minister highlights the importance of inclusivity and sustainability, hinting at Timor-Leste’s accession to the regional bloc.

Experts say that Ishiba's decision to prioritize Malaysia and Indonesia was a sign of the importance of the two major regional economies.

Aiming to strengthen relations with key Southeast Asian neighbors and trading partners, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba embarked on a four-day trip to Malaysia and Indonesia on Jan. 9.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is visiting Malaysia and Indonesia to boost defense and economic relations as China's regional influence grows. His trip signifies Japan's commitment to strengthening these ties despite potential changes in US presence under President-elect Donald Trump.

Japan positions itself as a key regional stabilizer amid growing security concerns, potential U.S. diplomatic shifts, analysts said.