Anwar Meets Presidents of Brazil and South Africa to Strengthen Foreign Relations with South America and Africa

On the eve of the official opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit and its related summits, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar met with Brazilian President Lula and South African President Ramaphosa on Saturday.

According to Prime Minister’s Senior Press Secretary Tengku Nasru at the Prime Minister’s office daily briefing, these two visits will strengthen Malaysia's network of foreign relations in the South American and African regions.

He said that this is President Lula’s first official visit to Malaysia since regaining power in 2023, symbolizing a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries, while further consolidating both sides’ cooperation in striving for economic justice and global prosperity.

"Since the Prime Minister attended the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in July this year, bilateral relations between the two countries have continued to deepen. Malaysia continues to be the voice for the Global South and advocates for building a fairer, more balanced, and sustainable international trade and financial system."

He added that this meeting is expected to strengthen commitments to exploring new collaboration in the economic and technological fields, uphold the spirit of South-South cooperation, and exchange views on regional and global issues.

Nasru mentioned that Anwar will meet with Ramaphosa in the afternoon to consolidate Malaysia’s historical friendly relations with South Africa since the establishment of diplomatic ties in the 1990s. This relationship is built on values of justice, solidarity, and common development.

He said this is also Ramaphosa’s first visit to Malaysia since taking office as President in 2018, and this visit will strengthen the ever-growing bilateral relations between the two countries.

"In today's meeting, the two leaders are expected to emphasize strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, the halal industry, defense, as well as science and innovation, including biotechnology, digitalization, and skills development."

"Malaysia also acknowledges that South Africa is its largest trading partner in Africa and hopes to expand the palm oil export market, while also encouraging private sector participation in the fields of energy, agriculture, and high-value manufacturing."

"Both sides will express their firm support for the Palestinian people's struggle, and Malaysia expresses respect for South Africa's leadership role in bringing this humanitarian issue before the International Court of Justice."

Nasru believes these two official visits mark the beginning of Malaysia’s most important diplomatic week of the year, demonstrating the world's trust in the Prime Minister’s leadership and Malaysia’s status as a principled, progressive, and respected nation.

He added that these visits also lay a solid foundation for Malaysia’s foreign policy based on humanitarianism, fair trade, and South-South cooperation.

Additionally, he said that the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings not only mark the end of Malaysia's term as rotating chair, but also symbolize the country’s active role in shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and people-centered future for ASEAN.

He said Kuala Lumpur will become the focus of international diplomacy, bringing together ASEAN leaders and major dialogue partners, including the United States, China, Japan, Australia, and South Korea, as well as guest chair countries like Brazil, South Africa, Canada, and the EU, along with several other international organizations.

“God willing, Malaysia will lead the 47th ASEAN Summit with full confidence.”