Anwar Ibrahim Engages with Muslim Community in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, The Gulf Observer: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began his official program in Brazil with a casual discussion session with the local Muslim community on Sunday.

The meeting, held at the Masjid El Nur (Mesquita da Luz), focused on the development of the Muslim ummah in Brazil and Malaysia’s continued commitment to supporting halal-related initiatives, Islamic education, and dakwah (teachings).

“In the meeting, we were able to discuss and exchange views on the development of the ummah in this country,” Anwar shared with reporters following the discussion.

Key representatives from the mosque, including its president Mohamed Zeinhom Mohamed El Fateh Mohamed Abdien, Imam Sancho Jorge Mulungo @ Adam, deputy director of the Social Department Julia Leal Menezes, and financial director Abdullah Al Masri, attended the session.

Accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Anwar presented contributions to the Muslim community, including a specially printed Quran and 10 additional copies with Portuguese translations. He also assured Malaysia’s readiness to support the mosque’s activities and strengthen ties with the Muslim community in Brazil.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Rio de Janeiro follows his participation in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) in Lima, Peru. He arrived in the city on Saturday at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to attend the Group of 20 (G20) Summit 2024 as a representative of Malaysia, one of 17 guest countries at the event.

Guest nations for this year’s summit include Chile, Qatar, Egypt, Singapore, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.