Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, were received by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

Also present were Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and deputy prime ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof.

The welcoming ceremony began with the performance of the national anthems of Germany and Malaysia by the central band of the Royal Malay Regiment from Sungai Besi camp followed by a 21-gun salute.

Steinmeier then inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by four officers and 103 men from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, headed by Major Adibadiuezshah Ahmad.

Yesterday, the foreign ministry said Steinmeier’s visit would provide the best opportunity for Malaysia and Germany to strengthen ties and cooperation in various fields.

The last state visit involving a German president to Malaysia was 26 years ago.

Germany is Malaysia’s largest trading partner among European Union  countries. In 2022, the value of Malaysia’s trade with Germany amounted to RM59.87 billion, an increase of 10.9% compared to RM53.99 billion in 2021.