PM Anwar Receives Official Visit Of The Presidents Of Brazil And South Africa Today

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today received two official visits from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the official opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits tomorrow.

The Prime Minister's Senior Press Secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Daily Briefing said the two visits would strengthen Malaysia's external relations network in South American and African regions.

He said Lula da Silva's official visit to Malaysia, the first since he returned to office in 2023, marks a new chapter in Malaysia-Brazil bilateral relations, thus strengthening cooperation in fighting for economic justice and universal prosperity.

"This relationship has also been strengthened since the Prime Minister attended the BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro in July when Malaysia continued to bring a strong voice for the countries of the South and fight for a fairer, more balanced and sustainable international trade and financial system," he said.

"The meeting is also expected to strengthen the commitment of both countries in exploring new cooperation in the fields of economy and technology, as well as exchanging views on regional and global issues based on the spirit of South-South cooperation," he said.

In the afternoon, Tunku Nashrul said Anwar is scheduled to receive Ramaphosa's official visit to strengthen the historic Malaysia-South Africa relationship based on the values ​​of justice, solidarity and shared development.

He said this is his first official visit since assuming office as President in 2018, and would strengthen bilateral relations that have continued to grow rapidly since the new diplomatic era between the two countries in the early 1990s.

“In today’s meeting, the two leaders are expected to emphasise the importance of strengthening cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, halal industry, defence, as well as science and innovation including biotechnology, digitalisation and skills development.

“Malaysia also recognises South Africa as the largest trading partner on the African continent and intends to expand its palm oil export market as well as strengthen private sector participation in energy, agriculture and high-value manufacturing,” he said.

“Both leaders also expressed their unwavering support for the struggle of the Palestinian people and Malaysia expressed its highest appreciation for South Africa’s leadership in bringing this humanitarian issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” he said.

In this regard, Tunku Nashrul said the two official visits marked the beginning of Malaysia’s biggest diplomacy week this year, which demonstrated the world’s confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership and Malaysia’s credibility as a principled, progressive and respected country at the international level.

“Today’s official visits from Brazil and South Africa are not just a protocol agenda, but symbolise the strength of Malaysia’s balanced external relations network in the world's major regions,” he said.

He said the official visit also laid a solid foundation for Malaysia's foreign policy which is centred on humanitarian values, fair trade and South-South cooperation.

Meanwhile, Tunku Nashrul said the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits this time would not just close the curtain on Malaysia's one-year chairmanship, but rather symbolise the country's active role in shaping a more inclusive, resilient and people-centred ASEAN future.

He said Kuala Lumpur would be the focal point of international diplomacy bringing together ASEAN leaders with key dialogue partners such as the United States, China, Japan, Australia and the Republic of Korea, as well as the Chairman's guests Brazil, South Africa, Canada and the European Union as well as several other international organisations.

“God willing, Malaysia will step forward with full confidence in leading the 47th ASEAN Summit this time,” he said.

-- BERNAMA