KUALA LUMPUR: Issues surrounding the palm oil industry and cooperation in several industries, including artificial intelligence (AI) development, were among several matters discussed when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received a courtesy call from his Dutch counterpart, Mark Rutte, at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya near here today.
Rutte is in Malaysia since yesterday for a two-day-long working visit to Malaysia.
This is his second visit to the country after the first one about nine years ago.
In a statement shared on his social media account, Anwar said both leaders discussed potential cooperation between Malaysia and the Netherlands in semi-conductor technology.
"I received a courtesy call from my counterpart from the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, at the Seri Perdana Complex here today in conjunction with his working visit to Malaysia.
"Such a platform, including a four-eye meeting, is important to discuss and identify ways to strengthen bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Netherlands.
"Additionally, this visit allows us to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, in the interest of our shared goals," the statement said.
Anwar said he hoped the bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Netherlands would continue to flourish and strengthen for the betterment of both nations.
Bernama reported that Rutte was received by Anwar upon arrival at the Prime Minister's official residence at almost noon today before both leaders later proceeded for bilateral talks, which lasted almost an hour.
The Netherlands was Malaysia's 14th largest trading partner and the second largest in the European Union (EU) last year, with a trade volume of RM48.04 billion.
It is also the largest importer of Malaysian palm oil among European countries, with 732,324.54 tonnes.