PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will embark on a week-long tour from July 1 to 7 covering three major economic hubs, namely Italy, France and Brazil, to bolster economic, trade and strategic ties, says the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The senior press secretary to the Prime Minister Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the official visit will include high-level meetings to meet Anwar’s counterparts in Rome, Paris and Rio de Janeiro, with the three markets collectively recording bilateral trade of RM50.91bil in 2024.

Anwar and his delegation, which includes senior officials and a business delegation, will travel via a chartered Malaysia Airlines flight.

“The Madani government places high hopes that the series of high level meetings in Rome, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro, will strengthen friendships, boost trades and open up new opportunities to benefit Malaysians and the Asean community,” he said during the Prime Minister’s Office daily briefing on Monday (June 30).

In Rome, Tunku Nashrul said Anwar would hold a one-on-one meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss bilateral economic agenda and initiate joint cultural initiatives.

He added that a business roundtable meeting would also be held to bring together industry leaders from both countries as well as a dialogue with leaders of the Islamic community and a meeting with the Malaysian diaspora.

In Paris, Anwar is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss various issues including trade, technology and education, said Tunku Nashrul.

“In addition to a business roundtable with major French industry players, the Prime Minister will also hold dialogues with the Islamic community and engage with the Malaysian community in France.

“He is also scheduled to deliver a public lecture at Sorbonne University on July 4,” said Tunku Nashrul.

In Rio de Janeiro, Anwar will attend the BRICS summit on the invitation of Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

“Malaysia’s participation as a BRICS partner country and Asean chairman 2025 will emphasise on the international law, governance of artificial intelligence, climate, among others,” he said.

“Anwar and his delegation are expected to arrive back in Kuala Lumpur on July 9 and will proceed to attend the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting the same day,” he added.

BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc has been expanded with five additional members namely Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Malaysia officially attained BRICS partner country status on Jan 1.