Malaysia and Brazil Deepen Strategic Partnership Through Science, Trade, and Shared Values
Putrajaya, The Gulf Observer: Malaysia’s relations with Brazil represent more than a conventional diplomatic engagement — they embody a friendship rooted in shared convictions and mutual respect, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Saturday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Seri Perdana Complex, Anwar emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation beyond traditional sectors. “Let us make sure that our countries and regions work together to become one of the key pillars in ensuring that bilateral relations extend beyond great investments, politics, and culture,” he said.
President Lula, who arrived in Malaysia on Friday for a three-day official visit in conjunction with the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit, was warmly welcomed by the Malaysian leader. The visit marks Lula’s first official trip to Malaysia, underscoring the growing momentum in Malaysia–Brazil ties.
Anwar commended President Lula for his principled stance on global humanitarian issues, particularly his commitment to the plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza. He also reflected on Brazil’s influence on his own governance philosophy, citing the country’s strong focus on science and research as an inspiration.
“Decades ago, when I was in UNESCO, one country that excited me was Brazil, as it placed much importance on scientific research that can be a showcase for emerging and developing countries,” Anwar recalled. He expressed personal gratitude to Brazilian scientist Dr. José Israel Vargas, whose mentorship, he said, inspired his administration’s increased funding for research and innovation.
The Prime Minister also congratulated President Lula on the honorary doctorate he is set to receive from Universiti Malaya later in the day.
During their bilateral meeting, both leaders reviewed the progress of Malaysia–Brazil relations and identified new areas of cooperation in trade and investment, semiconductors, science and technology, renewable energy, the halal industry, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
“We have expertise which we can share, and we are also looking at sectors where Brazil has skills to share with Malaysia, such as food technology,” Anwar added.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including collaboration within the United Nations, BRICS, and ASEAN frameworks, Brazil’s upcoming COP30 Presidency, and joint initiatives under the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
Following the meeting, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering semiconductors, science and innovation, and think-tank collaboration, alongside an Exchange of Notes on diplomatic training and a Letter of Intent on cooperation in genetic resources and biotechnology.
President Lula is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and deliver remarks at the 20th East Asia Summit before joining a Gala Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Anwar and Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail on October 27. He will also participate in the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) on October 25–26.
In 2024, Brazil stood as Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in Latin America, with total bilateral trade reaching RM20.36 billion (US$4.46 billion). Malaysia’s key exports to Brazil included electrical and electronic products, palm oil, rubber, and halal pharmaceuticals, while imports comprised ores, processed food, and petroleum products.
The visit by President Lula da Silva is expected to usher in a new chapter of strategic partnership between Malaysia and Brazil, founded on shared aspirations for sustainable growth, technological innovation, and global peace.
