French President Emmanuel Macron will make a two-day official visit to Malaysia on 16 and 17 November 2026, according to Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin. The visit is expected to be the first by a French president to Malaysia in nearly a decade, and it comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited France in July 2025 and invited Macron to reciprocate.
Speaking at the Malaysia-France Gala Night 2026 hosted by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sim said Macron accepted the invitation within a very short time, which reflects the growing closeness between the two countries. France's ambassador to Malaysia, Marc Abensour, said the visit is an important opportunity to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, aligning Malaysia with France's key regional commitments.
Economic ties are an obvious centrepiece. Malaysia-France bilateral trade reached RM22.5 billion in 2025, and business leaders from both sides are expected to use the visit to explore more cooperation. During Anwar's trip to Paris last year, both governments highlighted agreements involving aircraft purchases, minerals and energy transition, as well as investment links in private markets. Those themes are likely to return when the two leaders meet in Kuala Lumpur.
The timing is also interesting from a political point of view. Malaysia is in the middle of the Melaka state election campaign, and the Dewan Rakyat is still debating the Budget 2027 bill at committee stage until 26 November. Even so, the government is keen to show that its foreign policy agenda continues, particularly its effort to diversify partnerships beyond traditional trading blocs and strengthen links with Europe.
More details on the itinerary, including any signing ceremonies or business forums, are expected to be announced by the authorities closer to the date. Readers who plan to travel in central Kuala Lumpur around 16 and 17 November should keep an eye on traffic advisories, as security arrangements for a state visit often lead to road closures.
News sources (nofollow): Malay Mail | The Star | The Edge Malaysia
