PM Discusses Halal Issues, Dakwah With Muslim Community In Brazil

From M. Saraswathi

RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began his programme today with a casual discussion session with the Muslim community here.

He also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to assisting in halal-related matters, besides efforts to uplift the status of Islam through education and dakwah (teachings) to the Muslim community in Brazil.

"In the meeting, we were able to discuss and exchange views on the development of the ummah in this country,” he told reporters after meeting representatives of the only mosque here - the Masjid El Nur (Mesquita da Luz).

The mosque was represented by its president, Mohamed Zeinhom Mohamed El Fateh Mohamed Abdien; its Imam, Sancho Jorge Mulungo @ Adam; the deputy director of the Social Department, Julia Leal Menezes; and its financial director, Abdullah AL Masri.

Also present at the meeting was Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Anwar also presented contributions to the Muslim community here, including a specially printed copy of the Quran and 10 additional copies translated into Portuguese.

He added that Malaysia will also mobilise efforts to support activities in the mosque.

Anwar arrived in the bustling coastal city on Saturday (Nov 16) after attending the APEC Economic Leaders Week (AELW) in Lima, Peru, for his first official visit to Brazil.

Apart from Malaysia, 16 other countries, including Chile, Qatar, Egypt, Singapore, Spain, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam, are guest countries for the Group of 20 (G20) Summit 2024

Anwar is here on the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

-- BERNAMA