PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar (pic) welcomes the Austrian private sector to continue investing in Malaysia.

       During his meeting with the Secretary-General of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal in Vienna on Wednesday (Feb 16), Kamarudin expressed his appreciation for the RM8.5bil investment by Austria Technologie & Systemtechnic Aktiengesellschaf (AT&S), which will operate in Kedah.

       According to a statement from Wisma Putra, Kamarudin also shared the latest developments in the country's commodity sector, especially issues and efforts involving palm oil.

       "Various issues of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Austria were discussed during the meeting, including cooperation in the fields of defence, higher education, economy, trade, investment, and health tourism," the statement read.

       Wisma Putra said the meeting also provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange views on regional and international issues.

       Among them are the cooperation between the European Union and Asean, the role of Malaysia and Austria in various international organisations as well as current developments in Afghanistan, Palestine and Myanmar.

       "Austria expresses its appreciation to Malaysia for its contributions and active involvement in the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA), which is headquartered in Austria, where Malaysia is one of the founding countries of the institution," he said.

       According to Wisma Putra, Malaysia and Austria have had good and friendly bilateral relations since establishing diplomatic relations on Aug 6, 1962, and will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year.

       The value of bilateral trade between the two countries last year amounted to RM3.28bil, with an export value of RM0.53bil and an import value of RM2.75bil.

       Kamarudin is on a working visit to the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland and France from Feb 13 to 23. - Bernama