PUTRAJAYA, Feb 16 – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is making a state visit to Malaysia from today until Saturday, as part of efforts to strengthen ties between Malaysia and Germany.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said the visit would provide an excellent opportunity for Malaysia and Germany to further strengthen the longstanding relations and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.
“This state visit is expected to further reinvigorate Kuala Lumpur-Berlin ties and lay the foundation to elevate the relationship to greater heights,” said Wisma Putra in a statement today in conjunction with the visit.
Germany is Malaysia’s largest trading partner from the European Union (EU). In 2022, Malaysia’s total trade with Germany increased by 10.9 per cent to RM59.87 billion (US$13.62 billion) compared to RM53.99 billion (US$13.03 billion) in 2021.
Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender are accompanied by senior officials, businessmen and media personnel during the visit.
The last state visit to Malaysia by a German President was in April 1997.
Steinmeier will be received by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in a state welcoming ceremony at Parliament tomorrow.
He is scheduled to receive a courtesy call from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the afternoon in Putrajaya, where both leaders are expected to discuss various bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Subsequently, Steinmeier is scheduled to have an audience with the King at Istana Negara, followed by a state banquet in honour of the president and his delegation.
Meanwhile, Steinmeier has made a stop in Penang while en route to Kuala Lumpur for the state visit.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his wife Tan Lean Kee were present at the Penang International Airport to welcome Steinmeier and the First Lady.
“On behalf of the state government and the people of Penang, I would like to extend our warmest welcome to Your Excellencies and delegation members on this private visit to Penang.
“I wish Your Excellencies an enjoyable day in our beloved state, and we hope Your Excellencies will find time to return to Penang for future visits,” Chow said in a Facebook post today.
In a statement, the German President’s Office said while in Penang he would visit semiconductors manufacturer Infineon and medical technology specialist B. Braun.
