PM Anwar in Bahrain – Strengthening Bilateral Ties, Extending ASEAN Invite

What’s on the agenda for PM Anwar’s trip to Bahrain? This official visit isn’t just a formality—it’s a key moment for Malaysia-Bahrain relations. Invited by Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, this marks PM Anwar’s first visit to the Kingdom as Prime Minister, signaling just how important closer ties are to both nations. This PM Anwar in Bahrain visit will focus on deepening cooperation across vital sectors, from trade and investment to defense and food security, and will include a formal invitation for Bahrain to join upcoming ASEAN summits, emphasizing Malaysia’s commitment to bridging Southeast Asia and the Gulf.

Related: Bahrain’s New Halal Certification Standards Position It as a Global Trade Hub

Trade, Investment, and Economic Synergies

While the diplomatic and symbolic aspects of the visit are undoubtedly important, a central focus of PM Anwar in Bahrain‘s agenda is the tangible strengthening of economic ties. Total trade between Malaysia and Bahrain reached RM1.19 billion (US$260 million) in 2024, a slight decrease from RM1.5 billion (US$330 million) in 2023. However, this overall figure masks a positive and encouraging trend: Malaysia’s total exports to Bahrain increased by a healthy 17.4 percent to RM251.2 million (US$54.8 million) compared to RM214 million (US$46.9 million) in 2023. This growth was primarily fueled by increased exports of transport equipment, demonstrating the potential for Malaysian industries to penetrate the Bahraini market, according to data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

While imports from Bahrain stood at RM934.3 million (US$205.6 million) in 2024, compared to RM1.28 billion (US$279.7 million) in 2023, the overall economic relationship demonstrates significant untapped potential for further growth and diversification. Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has consistently emphasized Malaysia’s strong belief in the considerable potential for enhanced trade and investment ties with Bahrain. “We believe a stronger partnership with Bahrain offers mutual benefits, unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both our nations, for example, in sectors like Islamic finance as well as palm oil and palm oil-based products.

We are eager to explore collaborative ventures that drive growth and prosperity for Bahrain and Malaysia,” he told Bernama. This PM Anwar in Bahrain visit provides a crucial and timely opportunity to translate this promising potential into concrete action. Discussions between PM Anwar and his Bahraini counterpart will encompass a broad range of economic issues, including trade and investment promotion initiatives, exploring new and innovative avenues for collaboration in rapidly growing sectors like Islamic banking and finance, capitalizing on Malaysia’s established strength and global leadership in palm oil and palm oil-based products, and identifying mutually beneficial opportunities for joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and technology transfer.

A Multifaceted and Strategic Partnership

The scope of PM Anwar in Bahrain‘s visit extends significantly beyond purely economic considerations. Discussions will also encompass a broad range of areas vital to both nations’ long-term interests, including strengthening defense cooperation, exploring avenues for enhancing food security, expanding collaboration in the rapidly growing and increasingly important halal industry, enhancing connectivity and tourism links between the two countries, and addressing pressing regional and global issues of shared concern, such as climate change, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian aid.

This multifaceted and holistic approach underscores the commitment of both Malaysia and Bahrain to building a comprehensive and strategic partnership that benefits both nations on multiple levels, fostering cooperation not only in economic spheres but also in areas of security, culture, and social development. As part of Malaysia’s active and engaged ASEAN chairmanship, PM Anwar will extend a formal invitation to Bahrain’s Crown Prince for the upcoming ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC+ China Summit, both highly anticipated events to be held in Malaysia.

This strategically important invitation highlights Malaysia’s commitment to fostering greater cooperation, dialogue, and understanding between ASEAN and the Gulf region, recognizing the increasing interconnectedness of these two dynamic regions and underscoring the importance of Bahrain as a key and influential partner in this broader regional framework. This PM Anwar in Bahrain visit serves as a crucial bridge, connecting Bahrain to the vibrant and rapidly growing ASEAN region and creating valuable opportunities for greater dialogue, enhanced collaboration, and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Strengthening Bonds at the Highest Levels of Government

A particularly significant aspect of PM Anwar Bahrain‘s visit is the scheduled audience with Bahrain’s King, Raja Hamad Isa Al Khalifa. This high honor, bestowed upon PM Anwar, reflects the deep-rooted and strong bilateral ties between the two nations and provides a valuable opportunity for PM Anwar to engage in high-level discussions with the King on issues of mutual interest, ranging from regional security and economic cooperation to cultural exchange and people-to-people connections. This royal audience underscores the high importance that Bahrain places on its relationship with Malaysia and the personal commitment of the King to strengthening these ties at the highest levels of government.

Furthermore, in his capacity as Finance Minister, PM Anwar will also meet with his Bahraini counterpart, Shaikh Salman Khalifa Al Khalifa, to explore further opportunities for economic cooperation and enhanced collaboration in the financial sector, including Islamic finance, investment, and regulatory frameworks. Malaysia and Bahrain celebrated a significant milestone last year: 50 years of enduring and fruitful diplomatic relations. This anniversary served as a powerful reaffirmation of both nations’ unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across a diverse range of sectors, from trade and investment to culture and education.

The PM Anwar in Bahrain visit builds on this strong and well-established foundation, seeking to further deepen, broaden, and expand the relationship in the years to come, forging even stronger bonds between the two nations and their people. In 2023, Bahrain was Malaysia’s sixth-largest trading partner, and Malaysia ranked as Bahrain’s third-largest trading partner among ASEAN countries and 18th globally. These impressive figures highlight the existing strength and dynamism of the economic relationship and underscore the considerable potential for even greater growth, diversification, and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Expanding Trade and Investment in Palm Oil and Beyond

Malaysia’s top exports to Bahrain currently include processed food products, palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, and electrical and electronic (E&E) products. These sectors represent key areas of existing collaboration and offer significant opportunities for further growth, diversification, and value addition. The PM Anwar in Bahrain visit will likely focus on exploring ways to expand trade in these established areas, as well as proactively identifying new and emerging sectors for future cooperation, such as renewable energy, sustainable technology, and the digital economy. Malaysia’s recognized expertise and global leadership in Islamic finance also present a significant opportunity for collaboration, with Bahrain actively seeking to further develop and strengthen its Islamic finance industry, potentially leveraging Malaysia’s experience and expertise in this area.

Tengku Zafrul also highlighted the ongoing pursuit of a Malaysia-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a key and strategic element of Malaysia’s broader strategy to deepen its engagement with the Middle East and enhance economic ties with the Gulf region. This comprehensive FTA, which includes Bahrain as a key member, has the considerable potential to significantly boost economic ties between Malaysia and the GCC region as a whole, creating new opportunities for businesses in both regions, reducing trade barriers, and fostering greater economic integration. The PM Anwar in Bahrain visit provides a timely and valuable opportunity to discuss the progress of these crucial FTA negotiations and to reaffirm the strong commitment of both nations to achieving a mutually beneficial and comprehensive agreement that unlocks the full potential of trade and investment between Malaysia and the GCC.

Building a Strong and Enduring Partnership for Shared Prosperity

PM Anwar’s visit to Bahrain is not merely a symbolic gesture or a routine diplomatic event; it is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing economic cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors, and fostering greater regional engagement between Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. This visit underscores the unwavering commitment of both Malaysia and Bahrain to building a strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial partnership that not only benefits both nations and their people but also contributes significantly to regional stability, economic prosperity, and shared security. The strong focus on trade, investment, and economic cooperation highlights the critical importance of this relationship in driving economic growth, creating new job opportunities, and generating sustainable development for businesses and individuals in both countries.

Furthermore, the invitation extended to Bahrain to participate in upcoming ASEAN summits demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to broader regional cooperation and underscores the valuable role that Bahrain can play in connecting the dynamic and rapidly growing Gulf region with the vibrant and increasingly influential Southeast Asian bloc. This PM Anwar in Bahrain visit is a clear and positive indication that both nations see significant and long-term value in deepening their relationship, expanding their collaboration, and working together proactively to achieve shared goals, address common challenges, and build a brighter future for both nations and the wider region.

The visit is expected to yield concrete and measurable outcomes in the form of new agreements, increased trade and investment flows, enhanced cooperation across a range of strategic sectors, and a renewed commitment to strengthening people-to-people connections. It marks a new and promising chapter in Malaysia-Bahrain relations, one that is characterized by mutual respect, shared interests, a commitment to open dialogue, and a proactive approach to building a more prosperous, secure, and interconnected future for both nations and the broader region. The visit serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Bahrain and a powerful symbol of their shared vision for a future marked by greater cooperation, understanding, and mutual benefit.

It is a clear demonstration that both countries recognize the significant potential of their partnership and are committed to working together to unlock that potential for the betterment of their people and the broader region. The visit is expected to lay the groundwork for even stronger ties in the years to come, solidifying the relationship between Malaysia and Bahrain as a key partnership for regional stability and economic prosperity. The commitment from both sides is evident, and the potential for growth and collaboration is immense. This visit is more than just a diplomatic formality; it’s a strategic investment in the future of the relationship, a clear signal that both nations are ready to work together to achieve shared goals and build a brighter future.

The outcomes of this visit will likely have a lasting impact on the relationship between Malaysia and Bahrain, paving the way for increased cooperation in trade, investment, security, and cultural exchange. It is a visit that reflects the strong foundation of the relationship and the shared vision for a prosperous future. The visit serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in fostering strong international relations and promoting peace and prosperity. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to building a better future for all.

In short, PM Anwar’s Bahrain visit is poised to significantly strengthen Malaysia-Bahrain ties, opening doors for cooperation across numerous sectors. As we’ve seen, this visit is expected to bring tangible benefits to both nations, driving economic growth and development. Crucially, it underscores the importance of regional cooperation, highlighting the role both countries play in promoting regional peace and stability. From trade and investment to cultural exchange and ASEAN engagement, this visit symbolizes the strong and enduring friendship between Malaysia and Bahrain, solidifying their shared commitment to a brighter future. This visit is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the bilateral relationship and the broader region.