PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted that both Malaysia and Germany have to review the EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) implementation, targeting palm oil, timber cocoa and rubber.
Anwar said, Malaysia has enforced mandatory implementation of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MPSO) certification on palm oil industry since 1st January 2020.
“The regulation is imposed on peat soil areas and it is injustice and there should be a give and take discussion and not just based on one condition. This is very important for the development of the country. Malaysia is committed and much concern on climate change,” he said at a joint press conference with the President of Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier who is on his visit to Malaysia today.
The Tambun Member of Parliament said, this visit is the first by a German President to Malaysia in 26 years and his presence reflects the commitment of both countries to further strengthen the relations.
“Malaysia is keen to export more sustainable palm oil to Germany and hope that palm oil will be new top commodity export to Germany.
“We welcome Germany’s interest to cooperate with Malaysia in biodiversity, ecology and climate change. We can begin this cooperation by focusing first on the energy sector and waste management. I also hope His Excellency’s visit to Sarawak will open up more opportunities for Malaysia and Germany to collaborate on biodiversity, apart from areas of cooperation of mutual benefit,” the prime minister said.
Anwar said, his meeting with Germany President had also discussed about Russia-Ukraine conflict and its impacts on Europe, including energy supply.
The Prime Minister added, Malaysia too has been adversely impacted. Malaysia remains committed to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, rule of law and illegality of the use of force.
Anwar also mentioned that PETRONAS is open to explore potential supply of LNG to Germany and the EU from 2025 onwards.
“I have highlighted on alarming trend of Islamophobia in Europe and elsewhere. This trend undermines global peace, social harmony and security. In this regard, Malaysia stands ready to work with Germany to combat intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatisation, discrimination, and incitement to violence,” Anwar reiterated.
Responding to a question from the media of how Malaysia could help Germany that is more dependent to China, the prime minister said, China is an important neighbour and at the same time Malaysia is also in good relation with the European Union (EU).
“Malaysia is consistently maintaining democratic accountability and expressed it in a well mannered way besides having good trade relations with China. We maintain peaceful relations in the region,” Anwar said.
Meanwhile, President of Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier said, there are 700 German companies employing 65,000 workers in Malaysia and as such cooperation should be intensified between both countries.
Frank Walter also mentioned that in Penang there are German companies involving in semi-conductor and medical supplies.
The Germany President also touched on the need to intensify vocational training in Malaysia.
Regarding Russia and Ukraine conflict Frank-Walter said, Germany and Malaysia condemn Russia on the aggression as it is a clear violation. –Malaysia World News
