PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Brazil have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, food technology, and education, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Anwar said the initiative would not only reinforce existing ties between the two countries but also create opportunities for expertise exchange and investment benefiting both nations.
“Our discussions today covered various areas, including trade, investment, and energy.
“On behalf of Malaysia, I thank you (Brazil) for your support of Petronas.
“We also agreed to enhance cooperation in research, semiconductors, food technology, and education,” Anwar said.
Lula is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia, which coincides with the 47th Asean Summit.
Anwar expressed Malaysia’s interest to deepen cooperation in diplomatic training and research, in addition to strengthening cultural ties between Malaysia and Brazil.
“I wish to stress that the Malaysia-Brazil ties is not merely a standard diplomatic relationship, but a friendship between two nations that share the same aspirations and confidence.
“Let us ensure that both countries, as well as our respective regions, South America and Asean, work closely together and serve as key pillars in strengthening ties that go beyond trade, investment, politics, and culture,” he said.
During the joint press conference, Anwar also expressed his appreciation Lula for his commitment to addressing humanitarian and environmental issues, not only in Brazil but also at the global level.
He said the Brazilian president’s stance has consistently championed the plight of the poor and marginalised, as well as his approach in foreign policy on issues involving atrocities and mass killings in Gaza.
“This demonstrates your dedication to policies that can save the world and the international community.
“Moreover, in the series of meetings in Rio and here, we admire your resilience, purpose, and courage in upholding the principles of justice and human dignity.
“These values are also close to the hearts of Malaysians, particularly on the Gaza issue,” he said.
Earlier, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of five memoranda of understanding (MoUs), three relating to the semiconductor industry, one on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), and one on cooperation between think tanks.
Also witnessed was the exchange of a Diplomatic Note between the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) and Instituto Rio Branco, as well as a Letter of Intent between Mardi and EMBRAPA.
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