KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — 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.
Anwar’s senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, in a Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) daily briefing, said the two visits would boost Malaysia’s external relations network in South American and African regions.
Tunku Nashrul said Lula da Silva’s official visit to Malaysia, the first since the latter’s return to office in 2023, marks a new chapter in Malaysia-Brazil bilateral relations, and strengthens 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, where Malaysia continued to bring a strong voice for the countries of the (Global) South and fight for a fairer, more balanced and sustainable international trade and financial system.
“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 will receive Ramaphosa's official visit to strengthen the historic Malaysia-South Africa relationship based on the values of justice, solidarity and shared development.
Tunku Nashrul said this is Ramaphosa’s first official visit since assuming office as president in 2018, and would strengthen bilateral relations that have continued to grow 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 Palestinians, 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.
Tunku Nashrul added that the two official visits mark the start of Malaysia’s most significant diplomacy week this year, which demonstrates the world’s confidence in Anwar’s leadership and Malaysia’s credibility as a principled, progressive and globally respected country.
“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 visits lay 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 would not just close the curtain on Malaysia's chairmanship, but symbolise the country's active role in shaping Asean’s more inclusive, resilient and people-centred future.
He said Kuala Lumpur would be the focal point of international diplomacy, gathering Asean leaders and the bloc’s key dialogue partners such as the United States, China, Japan, Australia and South Korea, as well as Chairman’s guests Brazil, South Africa, Canada and the European Union, as well as several international organisations.
“God willing, Malaysia will step forwards with full confidence in leading the 47th Asean Summit,” Tunku Nashrul said.
