Anwar Ibrahim Engages Italian Heavyweights in Strategic Talks
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s trip to Rome wasn’t just a diplomatic formality—it was a packed schedule of talks and negotiations with genuine ambitions to tie Malaysia closer to Italy’s biggest industrial names. Forget about symbolic handshakes for the cameras; these conversations were anchored in gritty real-world industries like shipbuilding, aerospace, defense, and energy, the sectors that actually drive economies forward.
Kicking things off, Anwar went straight to Fincantieri—which isn’t just any company, but one of the world’s leading shipbuilders. Sitting down with CEO Pierroberto Folgiero, the conversation focused on bringing Italian naval know-how to Malaysia’s evolving shipbuilding ambitions. With advanced maritime tech and military ship construction on the table, it’s easy to see the appeal: Malaysia wants to upgrade both its civilian and defense fleets, and Fincantieri’s expertise could be a shortcut to get there.
The prime minister then shifted gears and talked shop with Tommaso Pani, who leads big-picture marketing and strategy at Leonardo. Leonardo is Italy’s crown jewel when it comes to aerospace and defense. If you see futuristic radar systems, electronic warfare gear, or high-tech security solutions, chances are they have Leonardo’s fingerprints on them. Anwar’s interest? Modernizing Malaysia’s defense systems, from cutting-edge surveillance to beefed-up air and sea defense infrastructures. As threats evolve, Malaysia clearly wants a seat at the table with the continent’s tech leaders.
Energy Frontlines and High-Level Diplomacy
No visit to Italian industry would be complete without a conversation about energy, especially as the world is hustling towards cleaner and more resilient solutions. That’s why Anwar met with ENI’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi. This wasn’t a one-on-one; Petronas President and Group CEO Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik was at Anwar’s side. With fossil fuels under pressure and global investments pushing greener alternatives, the conversation zeroed in on how Malaysia and Italy could team up for the long haul on clean energy projects, sustainable oil and gas exploration, and technology exchanges that don’t sacrifice the environment for profit.
But if you thought these meetings were all business deals and handshakes, think again. There was room for pure diplomacy, too. Anwar also carved out time for a one-on-one with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Antonio Tajani. It’s more than a courtesy call—Malaysia wants a reliable friend in the EU, especially one with Italy’s manufacturing clout.
Crowding the meeting rooms were Malaysia’s top ministers—Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Investment and Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul—all there to show this isn’t just one leader’s project. The presence of this heavy-hitting lineup signals that the government is serious about making whatever deals or proposals emerge from the visit stick for the long run.
All these conversations set the stage for the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable. Behind closed doors, officials from both countries rolled up their sleeves to map out new trade routes, investment plans, and sector partnerships that could have ripple effects across Southeast Asia and Europe. You can bet there was plenty of talk about how to break into new markets and use each other as gateways for bigger opportunities.
This Rome visit shows how Malaysia is eager to play in the big leagues—seeking heavyweight partners far beyond its backyard, and not just on paper. These face-to-face talks with Italy’s business and government elite send a clear message: Malaysia is open for business, and ready to run with Europe’s industrial giants if the fit is right.
