Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Arrives in Brazil for G20 Summit and Bilateral Talks
Rio de Janeiro, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim landed in Brazil’s vibrant coastal city of Rio de Janeiro to participate in the 2024 Group of 20 (G20) Summit, where Malaysia is a guest country. This visit follows his official engagements in Lima, Peru.
Malaysia’s Role in G20
Malaysia joins 16 other guest countries, including Chile, Qatar, Egypt, and Singapore, at the G20, which comprises 19 nations and two unions: the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). The G20’s permanent members include major economies such as the United States, China, and India.
Warm Welcome in Brazil
The Prime Minister’s special flight touched down at Galeão Air Force Base at 10:24 PM local time (9:24 AM Malaysia time). Anwar was welcomed with a Guard of Honour led by Lieutenant Colonel Buch Itamaraty, alongside Brazilian Foreign Ministry representatives and Malaysian diplomatic officials, including Ambassador Gloria Tiwet.
Accompanying the Prime Minister are key cabinet members, including Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and Deputy Ministers Huang Tiong Sii and Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, as well as senior government officials.
Focus of the Visit
Under Brazil’s presidency, Malaysia has been an active participant in key G20 initiatives, notably the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and the G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB).
During the summit, Prime Minister Anwar will deliver statements at sessions addressing critical global challenges, including:
- The Fight Against Hunger and Poverty
- Reform of Global Governance Institutions
Additionally, he is scheduled to hold discussions with leaders of G20 nations on bilateral and multilateral issues, emphasizing trade, investment, and Malaysia’s semiconductor industry.
Strengthening Malaysia-Brazil Ties
The Prime Minister will meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation and reaffirming the strong ties between Malaysia and Brazil.
Economic Context
In 2023, Brazil ranked as Malaysia’s 20th largest trading partner globally and the second-largest in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The South American nation is Malaysia’s leading import source in the region, underscoring the importance of trade relations between the two countries.
About Rio de Janeiro
Renowned for its iconic landmarks, such as Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro serves as an ideal backdrop for the G20 Summit. Known for its vibrant culture and world-famous Carnaval, the city embodies the spirit of global collaboration and celebration.
Prime Minister Anwar’s participation at the summit reflects Malaysia’s commitment to addressing pressing global challenges and strengthening its presence on the international stage.
