France supports Malaysia’s leadership in Asean, envoy says

GEORGE TOWN: France is committed to working closely with Southeast Asia, focusing on Malaysia’s leadership role in Asean, Axel Cruau said.

The French ambassador to Malaysia said Malaysia’s central position is a key driver for Asean’s initiatives this year.

“France appreciates the centrality of Asean and Malaysia is crucial, especially this year,” he said. We expect significant progress in Asean initiatives under Malaysia’s leadership,” said Cruau.

He added that France expects many new initiatives and hopes for progress under Malaysia’s presidency, especially in security, peace and stability, the basis of prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Cruau added that France broadly hopes for Malaysia’s active presidency of ASEAN.

“We know that Malaysia has many priorities, with inclusivity and sustainability as the main mottos,” he added.

He was speaking on Tuesday (Jan 14) during a media dialogue session at the embassy and a tour of the French Navy’s Air Defense destroyer Forbin, which docked at Swettenham Pier in George Town, Penang.

Cruau was responding to a question about his hopes now that Malaysia is the current Asean chair.

He said France is keen to deepen the dialogue with Malaysia to see how France and the EU can support Asean’s efforts.

“Whether it is energy, development or other priorities, we are here to work together and contribute to Asean’s goals.

“We are open to everything.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is very involved in this presidency. As you know, he is traveling to Europe and will be in Brussels in a few days. We hope for very positive news during this trip,” he said.

He added that France is here to work with Malaysia and all of ASEAN.

“France is a partner of Asean. It wants to do more with Asean as a whole and that is certainly one of our priorities,” he said.