Mohamad Hasan Heads to Washington to Strengthen Malaysia-US Cooperation on Critical Minerals
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan will undertake a working visit to the United States from February 3 to 4 to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, D.C., at the invitation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known as Wisma Putra, said the visit represents an important platform to strengthen bilateral engagement between Malaysia and the United States, particularly in the strategically vital area of critical minerals.
The ministry noted that critical minerals are essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and green technologies, making international cooperation in this sector increasingly important for sustainable economic growth.
“During the visit, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with his counterparts to discuss areas of mutual interest, including investment opportunities, joint research, innovation, capacity-building initiatives, and industrial collaboration,” Wisma Putra said.
Deepening Strategic Partnership
According to the ministry, the visit will further advance initiatives under the Malaysia-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was upgraded in October 2025.
It will also build on the Memorandum of Understanding between both governments aimed at diversifying global critical minerals supply chains and promoting related investments.
These efforts are expected to support the development of resilient, transparent, and sustainable supply chains while delivering mutual benefits to both countries.
Boosting Industrial and Economic Development
Economic observers believe Malaysia’s active participation in global critical minerals initiatives could create new opportunities for domestic industries, including mining, materials processing, and high-tech manufacturing.
Closer cooperation with the United States is also expected to enhance technology transfer and strengthen Malaysia’s position within international supply networks.
Trade Ties Continue to Grow
In 2025, Malaysia’s total trade with the United States rose by 13 per cent to RM367.47 billion, up from RM325.16 billion in 2024.
Exports increased by 17.2 per cent to RM233.08 billion, while imports grew by 6.4 per cent to RM134.39 billion.
The strong performance reflects deepening economic ties between the two countries, in line with efforts to expand cooperation in strategic sectors such as critical minerals.
-wilayah.com.my
