KUCHING: The European Union (EU) is seeking to enhance its cooperation with Sarawak, recognising the state’s forward-looking policies that align closely with its priorities, particularly in green development and sustainable growth.
EU Ambassador to Malaysia Rafael Daerr said Sarawak plays a key role within Malaysia due to its “visionary approach” in areas such as the green transition and renewable energy.
“This was my first official visit to Sarawak and I was delighted to see the Premier. As the European Union, we are very engaged in our cooperation with Malaysia,” he told a press conference after paying a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
He described Malaysia as a crucial global partner for the EU in advancing mutual prosperity, as well as peace and regional stability, noting that Sarawak is an important contributor to these shared objectives.
“Within Malaysia, Sarawak plays a key role in many ways in having a visionary approach to many of the subjects that very much align with ours, be it green transition, the increase of green energy production and working in partnership together, which ultimately strengthens both sides and the resilience of both sides,” he said.
Daerr said such partnerships have become increasingly important amid evolving global geoeconomic challenges, where stronger cooperation can help enhance resilience and independence.
He highlighted Malaysia’s significance by noting that, hypothetically, if it were part of the EU, it would rank as the sixth largest member state by population and the 11th largest in terms of economic size.
“This shows how relevant Malaysia is for us in terms of trade and investment, and the same goes the other way around,” he added.
Daerr also pointed out that the EU, comprising 27 member states and a population of about 450 million, is the world’s largest single market and a major investor in Malaysia.
On the purpose of his visit, he said it was to support and frame ongoing engagements between EU member states and Sarawak, particularly through business and investment activities.
He noted that several European ambassadors, including those from France and Italy, had recently visited the state, with more expected soon, including representatives from Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands.
“It is them and their companies that concretely engage, invest in Sarawak and work with the local ecosystem,” he said.
Daerr added that discussions with the Premier focused on exploring ways to further strengthen cooperation, including through institutional coordination and financing support for future-oriented sectors.
“We looked at how we can support this cooperation further, especially in areas such as education, knowledge building, human capital development, and strengthening environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches to building prosperity,” he said.
He stressed that the EU remains committed to supporting its member states’ activities in Sarawak while exploring new avenues to enhance collaboration with the state.
