PM discusses free trade pact, expanding cooperation with S Korea

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have agreed to join hands in expanding bilateral cooperation in a "mutually beneficial and substantive" manner.

This includes efforts to conclude a free trade pact, the presidential office said today.

According to Yonhap, both leaders reached this understanding during their first phone talks earlier in the day, expressing hopes to further advance the strategic partnership between the two nations, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters.

The two leaders are also looking into cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure, digital transformation, green growth and defence, especially with the expected conclusion of the South Korea-Malaysia free trade agreement this year, she said.

"The president also emphasised his commitment to bolstering the bilateral friendship and cooperation based on decades of mutual trust and goodwill," she added.

The two countries mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

They also shared the view that they can make meaningful contributions to strengthening cooperation in the international community, as South Korea and Malaysia are due to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit and Asean-related meetings later this year, respectively.

During the phone call, Anwar also congratulated Lee on his inauguration, with Lee expressing his gratitude in return, Kang added.

- Bernama

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