Malaysian ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Faizal Razali said that the participation of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in the first Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit, scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday, will reveal new horizons for solid co-operation that will benefit both countries and enhance stability in the region and beyond.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), the ambassador said that the Amir's visit to Malaysia, coinciding with the summit, will further strengthen the enduring ties between the two regions, and foster deeper co-operation in areas of mutual interest.
He considered that the summit would strengthen the bilateral partnership and establish a model for multilateral co-operation between Asean, the GCC countries, and China, through ongoing dialogue and joint efforts. This would enable full realisation of available potential and demonstrate a constructive commitment to the international community.
He emphasized that Malaysia-Qatar relations are in a phase of strategic collaboration, with a strong focus on economic diplomacy. Both countries have common priorities in areas such trade and investments, high-technology, energy, sustainability and sports. Malaysia’s robust manufacturing and service sectors complement Qatar’s ambitious development plans, especially in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
He noted that there is a growing emphasis on people-to-people ties, with a particular focus on education, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Malaysia offers high-quality educational opportunities, as the number of Qatari students choosing Malaysia as a destination for higher education is increasing.
He emphasised the two countries' commitment to deepening collaboration in areas of mutual concern, such as security, regional stability, and humanitarian efforts particularly the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, noting that the two countries have witnessed intensified high-level visits and discussions.
He said that Qatar and Malaysia share a vision for a future of peace, prosperity, and deep interconnectedness, reiterating that the two countries' partnership is built on mutual trust, shared principles, and a firm commitment to multilateralism.
He explained that the two countries are fully prepared to drive regional growth and foster innovation, with bilateral trade increasing by nearly 49% in 2024, and co-operation growing across multiple sectors.
During his interview with QNA, ambassador Razali spoke about Qatari-Malaysian relations, which are witnessing one of their strongest points since diplomatic ties were established in 1974. The total volume of trade between Qatar and Malaysia increased by 48.9 % in 2024, reaching RM6.3bn ($1.4bn), compared to RM4.2bn ($911.9mn) in 2023.
Among the West Asia countries, Qatar was Malaysia's 4th largest trading partner, 7th largest export destination, and 3rd largest source of imports in 2024, he added in this context.
He revealed that Malaysia’s key exports to Qatar include iron and steel products; machinery, equipment and parts; petroleum products; processed food; palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products; and manufactures of metal. Malaysian companies are active in Qatar’s trade, contracting, and services sectors, while Qatari investments in Malaysia continue to grow, notably in energy, manufacturing, and halal industries.
He noted the participation of Qatari firms had participated in events such as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), which highlights innovation and sustainability in halal products and services. Other areas of co-operation are research and higher education, logistics, aviation, healthcare, foresight and data analytics, he added.
Malaysia and Qatar are also working together on the issue of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. Qatar’s assistance through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has significantly helped to support the 200,000 Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. The pilot project in the medical and health cluster for the Rohingya refugees in Malaysia was implemented successfully and look forward to the finalisation of the second phase agreement, he said.
Malaysian ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Faizal Razali
