Malaysia-Luxembourg joint business council under consideration
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Luxembourg have agreed on the possibility of establishing a joint business council to strengthen and foster greater cooperation in trade, investment, Islamic finance and banking.
Yesterday, Wisma Putra said the agreement was reached during Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman’s working visit to Luxembourg on Friday when he paid a courtesy call on Luxembourg Foreign and European Affairs Minister Jean Asselborn.
Anifah said the courtesy call enabled both sides to exchange views on issues of mutual interest, including the Malaysia-European Union Partnership Cooperation Agreement, Malaysia-EU Free-Trade Agreement, as well as possible cooperation in green finance.
“Through Luxembourg’s green financial (system), Asselborn is keen to help Malaysia in terms of sharing of knowledge regarding sustainable development, as well as providing a platform for the promotion of sustainable palm oil.
“A group of chief executive officers, led by the Association of the Luxembourg Fund In- dustry, will undertake a working visit to Malaysia for this purpose on Jan 3 to 4.”
During the meeting, he con- veyed Malaysia’s appreciation for Luxembourg’s support to Malaysia’s success in tabling the moderation resolution at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly.
“Anifah thanked Luxembourg for supporting Malaysia’s candidature to the International Maritime Organisation for the 2018-2019 term.”
Wisma Putra said both ministers shared similar concerns about the United States’ decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Anifah asserted Putrajaya’s concern about the US decision as it had inflamed Muslim sentiment and did not contribute to the security and stability of the region.
On Rakhine State, Wisma Putra said both ministers urged Myanmar to implement Kofi Annan’s advisory committee’s recommendations expeditiously to address the root causes and the humanitarian situation of the Rohingya.
The visit had contributed to greater understanding and appreciation of each country’s position and perspectives on various matters, as well as providing an impetus to Malaysian-Luxembourg bilateral relations as this year marked the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.