Malaysia and Brazil call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, support Palestinian statehood, and commit to enhancing bilateral cooperation. Leaders emphasize the necessity of humanitarian assistance to Palestine and collaborate on global initiatives against hunger and climate change during the G20 Summit.
On November 18, Malaysia and Brazil jointly emphasized the urgent necessity for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, alongside a demand for Israel to facilitate uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to Palestinian territories. Following a bilateral meeting at the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem designated as its capital, adhering to the pre-1967 borders. Furthermore, both leaders underlined their dedication to combating inequality, hunger, and poverty, aiming to enhance the living standards of their citizens. They recognized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors, which includes health, the Halal industry, food security, agriculture, science, technology, innovation, semiconductor development, environmental conservation, and climate change initiatives. The official initiation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was also praised, with President Lula expressing gratitude for Malaysia’s founding membership in the Alliance. Both states reinforced their dedication to eradicating global hunger by the decade’s end, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Additionally, they echoed support for the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), unveiled by Brazil at COP28 in Dubai, and conveyed intentions to collaborate on its framework prior to the launch at COP30 in Belém in 2025. The joint statement remarked, “Recognising their shared status as megadiverse countries, Brazil and Malaysia see the TFFF as a ground-breaking tool for fostering tropical rainforest conservation in developing countries.” As Malaysia and Brazil commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the advancements achieved since their February 9, 2024 phone conversation, which included an increase in high-level exchanges throughout the year and the inaugural Bilateral Consultation Meeting held on September 18, 2024. Prime Minister Anwar, accompanied by key ministers, arrived in Brazil from Lima, Peru, as a representative of Malaysia at the G20 summit, alongside 16 other guest nations, including Chile, Qatar, and Spain.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has raised international concern regarding humanitarian conditions and the urgent need for a ceasefire. The statements made by Malaysia and Brazil align with global calls for peace and the establishment of a recognized Palestinian state. Both countries have long advocated for social justice and equity, which resonates in their collective agenda as participants in the G20, a forum for major economies intended to facilitate international economic cooperation. Their commitment to climate initiatives, such as the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, signifies a broader focus on environmental preservation linked to developmental agendas.
In conclusion, the discussions between Malaysia and Brazil highlight a mutual commitment to peace, humanitarian support, and sustainable development. By advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, both nations are not only addressing regional issues but also contributing to global objectives such as eradicating hunger and combating climate change. Their collaborative efforts in international forums like the G20 reaffirm their roles as leaders in promoting equity and sustainability on the global stage.
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