From 16 to 19 February, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender made a state visit to Malaysia. The Federal President’s trip to the Indo-Pacific was yet another opportunity for him to underscore that the Federal Republic of Germany is seeking to diversify its political and economic relations. During his travels, the Federal President was accompanied by a business delegation.

In Malaysia he stopped in Penang, an important location for Malaysian businesses and German industry. While in Penang, the Federal President visited the manufacturer of semiconductors Infineon and the medical technology specialist B. Braun. He also met and had an exchange with trainees participating in the first German traineeship class outside of Germany that will qualify participants as industrial foremen in mechatronics.

In the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, the Federal President held political talks with King Sultan Abdullah and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. His agenda also included an economic round table with German and Malaysian business leaders and an expert panel on current challenges in the spheres of global security and economic policy.

The Federal President’s third stop in Malaysia was in the state of Sarawak in East Malaysia, the rainforests of which provide a habitat to a unique variety of species. There he was guided by local and international experts through one of Sarawak’s national parks, with its diverse ecosystems and impressive flora and fauna, where he learned about the threats to, and what is being done to protect and safeguard biodiversity.

Prior to their stay, Federal President Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender were in the Kingdom of Cambodia from 13 to 16 February.

Overview of the programme:

Thursday, 16 February

• Flight to Penang, Malaysia
• Visit Infineon company
• Visit B. Braun company
• Flight to Kuala Lumpur
• Sentul Pavilion
  Reception hosted by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany and Elke Büdenbender

Friday, 17 February

• Delegation hotel
  Talks with think-tank representatives on regional security and economic policy
• Parliament
  Welcome with military honours by King Sultan Abdullah and Queen Azizah of Malaysia
• Delegation hotel
  Discussion with representatives of the German and Malaysian business community
• Official seat of the Prime Minister
  Talks with Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia
• Joint press conference
• National Palace
  Talks with King Sultan Abdullah of Malaysia
• State banquet hosted by King Sultan Abdullah of Malaysia

Saturday, 18 February

• Flight to Kuching
• Tour of Kuching Wetlands National Park with biodiversity experts
• Visit the orangutan rehabilitation centre at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
• Flight to Berlin

Sunday, 19 February

• Arrival in Berlin