PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia and Jordan are looking to deepen strategic cooperation in high-technology industries, with a particular focus on semiconductors and advanced technical education, as both countries seek to produce more engineers and skilled workers for future industry needs.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said these were among the key matters raised in his meeting today with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. The monarch was on a two-day state visit to Malaysia at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
According to Anwar, the talks centred 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 said in a Facebook post.
Beyond technology, the two leaders reviewed the prospects for wider economic engagement. Anwar said the discussions covered expanding trade and investment, including a potential free trade agreement (FTA), tariff restructuring and stronger supply chains.
Cooperation in energy, transport, the halal industry and tourism was also on the agenda. The two leaders also exchanged views on geopolitical developments in West Asia, particularly in Palestine and Syria, and what they mean for regional security and stability.
Anwar said both sides 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 added that the Jordanian monarch expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s stance and efforts in support of the Palestinian cause.
The prime minister voiced hope that the meeting would lift Malaysia-Jordan relations through closer economic and technological collaboration, as well as shared commitments to humanity, peace and global justice.
The state visit was King Abdullah’s second to Malaysia since May 2008. It comes as both nations mark more than six decades of diplomatic relations, which were established in 1965.
Before departing after the visit, King Abdullah granted Anwar an audience at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The session lasted about 30 minutes and centred on strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship.
Trade figures point to steady momentum between the two countries. Bilateral trade reached RM993.4 million in 2025, an increase of 15.2 per cent from 2024.
From January to August 2026, trade rose by eight per cent year-on-year to RM740.7 million. Such growth gives added context to the interest in a potential FTA, which typically aims to reduce trade barriers and encourage greater investment flows between partner countries. — Sarawak Daily
