KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have agreed to deepen Malaysia-South Korea ties, with a focus on finalising a free trade agreement (MKFTA) by the end of the year.

Anwar highlighted the strong strategic partnership between both nations, spanning areas like defence, economy, education, tourism, and global cooperation. South Korea has been Malaysia’s eighth-largest trading partner, with trade surpassing US$20 billion for three years running.

In a congratulatory call to Lee on his recent election win, Anwar expressed confidence in his leadership and invited him to attend the upcoming ASEAN and ASEAN–South Korea Summits in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar also confirmed plans to attend the APEC Summit in South Korea this November.