PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the official visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a significant meeting between two leaders who share common values in championing the cause of ordinary citizens, opposing injustice, and advocating for global fairness.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Putrajaya, Anwar expressed deep appreciation for Lula, describing him as a principled leader who consistently fights for the poor and speaks courageously on humanitarian issues, including the atrocities in Gaza and the challenges of climate change.
“We know you as a leader who represents the working class, consistently advocating for the less fortunate. Your stance on humanitarian issues in Gaza, alongside your commitment to climate action, has earned you international respect,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister also praised Lula’s courage and steadfastness, calling him one of the world leaders who vocally defends justice and human dignity.
During the meeting, the two leaders explored various areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, education, and research, and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties between ASEAN and Latin America.
Anwar highlighted Brazil’s ongoing support for Malaysian companies such as PETRONAS and emphasised both nations’ readiness to expand collaboration in emerging sectors like semiconductors, food technology, and agriculture.
“This is not an ordinary diplomatic meeting. It is an encounter between two friends who share the same beliefs and aspirations.
“Let us ensure that both our countries, and our regions in the Americas and ASEAN, continue to cooperate and become key pillars in expanding bilateral relations beyond trade, investment, politics, and culture,” he said.
Earlier, the leaders witnessed the signing of five memoranda of understanding, three on the semiconductor industry, one on Science, Technology and Innovation, and one on think-tank collaboration.
Additional exchanges included 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.
Brazil is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade reaching RM20.36 billion (USD 4.46 billion) in 2024.
Malaysia exports mainly electrical and electronic products, palm oil, rubber, and halal pharmaceuticals to Brazil, while imports include metal ores, metal scrap, processed food, petroleum, and crude oil.
Anwar also congratulated Lula on receiving an honorary doctorate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and acknowledged Brazil’s participation in COP summits as a reflection of its global commitment to environmental sustainability and development.
“President Lula remains consistent in advocating for the poor and oppressed, not only in Brazil but also in international matters such as the atrocities in Gaza and climate change,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister recalled Lula’s warm hospitality during a previous BRICS summit and praised Brazil’s active role in organising forthcoming COP conferences near the Amazon.
“Your commitment is not only to the people and environment of Brazil, but also to saving the world through bold and progressive policies,” he added.
The meeting symbolised the friendship between Malaysia and Brazil, two developing nations with the potential to strengthen cooperation in trade, science, energy, and culture.
Discussions also included new investment opportunities in semiconductors, food technology, and the expansion of Brazilian poultry imports.
Anwar emphasised the importance of scientific research as a foundation for national progress, reflecting on the influence of renowned Brazilian scientist Dr Israel Vargas, who inspired him to prioritise government funding for research and development.
He concluded by congratulating Lula on the honorary Doctorate in Philosophy in International Development and the Developing World from UKM, which was to be conferred in a special convocation ceremony during the visit. - October 25, 2025
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