KUCHING – Strategic cooperation between Sarawak and France is set to deepen following a courtesy call by the Ambassador of France to Malaysia, His Excellency Marc Abensour, on the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, on 25 June 2026.
The meeting marked the Ambassador’s second visit to Sarawak in less than six months, reflecting France’s growing interest in the state and its role in regional engagement. Discussions centred on strengthening ties in energy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Ambassador Abensour highlighted that several French companies are already active in Sarawak or exploring opportunities to expand.
TotalEnergies has become a major investor in the state, while EDF (Électricité de France) has expressed interest in cascading hydropower projects.
Air Liquide was also noted for its involvement in biomethanol initiatives and its potential role in supporting future Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.
Cultural collaboration was a key focus of the meeting. The Ambassador revealed that the Borneo Cultures Museum has attracted interest from the prestigious Quai Branly Museum in Paris, which specialises in indigenous civilisations and cultures.
He described the Borneo Cultures Museum as an outstanding institution showcasing Sarawak’s heritage and confirmed that discussions with Quai Branly’s leadership had already begun during his recent trip to Paris.
The Ambassador also emphasised the importance of expanding cultural exchanges, noting the participation of French artists in Sarawak’s events.
He pointed to the upcoming Rainforest World Music Festival as a platform that continues to draw international attention and foster cross-cultural engagement.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Abensour announced his return to Kuching in September for the second edition of the Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) forum.
The event will bring together Swinburne University Sarawak and France’s Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) to strengthen cooperation in sustainable energy and innovation.
The Premier of Sarawak welcomed the initiatives, underscoring the state’s commitment to building partnerships that support both cultural preservation and economic development.
The discussions highlighted Sarawak’s growing role as a hub for international collaboration, with France positioning itself as a key partner in advancing shared goals.
The visit reinforced the momentum of the France–Sarawak relationship, combining cultural appreciation with forward-looking strategies in energy and sustainability.
With ongoing dialogue and planned programmes, both sides are expected to continue building a partnership that contributes to a greener and more prosperous future.
