YB Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman, Foreign Minister of Malaysia, undertook a working visit to Berlin on 10 June 2015. He was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia and the Embassy of Malaysia, Berlin.
During the visit, YB Foreign Minister met his counterpart, German Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the Federal Foreign Office. During the meeting, YB Foreign Minister and Dr. Steinmeier had an active exchange of views on various issues of common concern. Both ministers agreed on the need to enhance future bilateral ties including in bilateral trade and investment between both countries.
They noted the active role that both countries are playing in their respective region, namely Germany’s presidency in the G7 and Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN and non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council. YB Foreign Minister congratulated Germany for its leadership in the G7 and in particular, the successful convening of the G7 Summit in Bavaria on 7 and 8 June 2015. Similarly, Dr. Steinmeier congratulated YB Foreign Minister for Malaysia’s role in ASEAN as well as Malaysia’s presidency in the UN Security Council in the month of June 2015.
Both ministers also discussed a number of key regional and international issues. As countries that are directly affected by the irregular movement of people and illegal migration, Malaysia and Germany are making efforts to address the issue at source and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected. YB Foreign Minister took the opportunity to brief Dr. Steinmeier on the efforts that Malaysia has undertaken to address the issue, including the meetings with his counterparts from Indonesia and Thailand as well as his visit to Myanmar.
Both ministers shared their concern on the continuing spread of extreme ideologies such as by the group calling themselves “Islamic State”, especially amongst the youth. There was also discussion on efforts for Israel-Palestine peace process. YB Foreign Minister reiterated Malaysia’s hope of achieving a final, just and comprehensive settlement with the state of Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders, based on the Roadmap and the relevant UNSC resolutions. He also noted Germany’s efforts to move forward the process, including Dr. Steinmeier’s recent visit to Gaza, Jerusalem and Ramallah on 30 May – 1 June 2015.
