PUTRAJAYA (Oct 12): Malaysia and Jordan are seeking to expand strategic cooperation in high-tech industries, particularly semiconductors and advanced technical education and training, to develop more engineers and skilled workers for future industry needs.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said these were among the key areas discussed during his meeting today with Jordan's King Abdullah II, who was on a two-day state visit to the country at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

He said the talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties in higher education, skilled human capital development, emerging technologies and the semiconductor ecosystem.

“We also discussed potential cooperation in developing advanced technical education and training centres, including producing more engineers and skilled workers to meet future industry demands,” he posted on Facebook.

Anwar said discussions also covered expanding trade and investment, including a potential free trade agreement (FTA), tariff restructuring, stronger supply chains and cooperation in energy, transport, the halal industry and tourism.

Anwar said he and King Abdullah also exchanged views on geopolitical developments in West Asia, particularly in Palestine and Syria, and their implications for regional security and stability.

He said they also agreed on the urgent need to end atrocities against Palestinians, including continued violence and rights violations in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

“I stressed that Malaysia will remain steadfast in championing Palestinian rights while strengthening humanitarian assistance, particularly for the people of Gaza,” he said.

Anwar noted that the Jordanian monarch also expressed appreciation for Malaysia's stance and efforts in supporting the Palestinian cause.

Anwar also expressed hope that the meeting would elevate Malaysia-Jordan relations through closer economic and technological cooperation, as well as shared commitments to humanity, peace and global justice.

The state visit was King Abdullah's second to Malaysia since May 2008, as both countries marked more than six decades of diplomatic relations established in 1965.

Prior to his departure after concluding the visit, King Abdullah granted Anwar an audience at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), for about 30 minutes to discuss strengthening longstanding bilateral relations.

Bilateral trade reached RM993.4 million in 2025, up 15.2% from 2024, while trade from January to August 2026 rose 8% year-on-year to RM740.7 million.

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