Editorial by Massimo Rustico, Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia (2021–2025)
After 37 years, the official visit to Italy on July 2–3 by Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, accompanied by five Ministers, marked a turning point in bilateral relations. The meeting took place during Malaysia’s ASEAN presidency, reinforcing dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and Southeast Asian countries.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with the President of the Council, Hon. Giorgia Meloni, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Antonio Tajani. During the bilateral meeting between the two leaders—also attended by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs—key issues in foreign policy and international security were addressed. The President of the Council accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation to pay an official visit to Kuala Lumpur. The talks between the Italian Ministers of Defence and of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) and their Malaysian counterparts were also significant.
Malaysia continues to be a key partner for Italy in Southeast Asia, known for its stability and economic openness. The meetings highlighted broad convergence on shared priorities that both sides aim to strengthen in a structured way—particularly in the fields of energy, green and digital transition, defence, microelectronics, supply chains, and advanced industry.
Especially significant was the Italy–Malaysia Economic Roundtable, inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, with the participation of the Malaysian Prime Minister and several Ministers. The event brought together leaders from dozens of major Italian and Malaysian companies operating in strategic sectors, along with representatives of the Italian system (CDP, SACE, SIMEST, ICE).
Strong complementarities emerged, especially in high-tech sectors, confirming a clear alignment of visions between the two countries. In the defence sector, Malaysia stands out as a reliable and strategic partner for leading Italian companies, while in the energy sector, new opportunities are opening thanks to the partnership between Eni and Petronas—set to transform the regional energy landscape.
Attention also extends to network, energy, and digital infrastructures, which are essential to support growth and global competitiveness, as well as to technologies for the energy transition. Italian and Malaysian companies—supported by the Italian system and a renewed collaboration with major local financial institutions—thus have access to an effective platform to strengthen industrial, technological, and financial ties, reinforcing Italy’s internationalization strategy in a key ASEAN country. The attraction of Malaysian financial investments was also the subject of bilateral meetings on the sidelines. The Roundtable opened new prospects, laying the groundwork for enhanced economic cooperation in a region that is becoming increasingly strategic for future global balance. With the growing role of this area, Italy reaffirms its commitment to maintaining an active presence by consolidating ties and promoting investments in joint projects focused on security, innovation, and sustainable development.
The meeting further highlighted the broad opportunities offered by bilateral relations, whose revitalization fits into the broader framework of Italy–ASEAN cooperation, evolving alongside the resumption of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Malaysia and the European Union—a key factor in EU–ASEAN relations. The visit underscored how Malaysia, along with Southeast Asia, represents not only a market but an increasingly significant political horizon for Italy and its Indo-Pacific strategy, in line with Europe. Today, Kuala Lumpur and Rome no longer simply engage as friendly capitals, but recognize one another as partners, united by a shared vision and converging interests—particularly in upholding international law and safeguarding freedom of navigation.
Within this strengthened bilateral relationship is the development of the new state-owned premises of the Italian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur—the most modern in Southeast Asia—officially inaugurated on June 6. This stands as a testament to Italy’s continued commitment to solidifying its presence in one of the most dynamic regions in the world.
Massimo Rustico
Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia
(18 October 2021 – 8 June 2025)
English 
Italian