KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — On the eve of the 47th Asean Summit, Malaysia is placing itself at the centre of international diplomacy, welcoming leaders from Brazil and South Africa in a series of meetings that underscore its growing role in global affairs.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) described the meetings as “the beginning of Malaysia’s most significant diplomatic week of the year,” reflecting international confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership and the nation’s growing credibility as “a principled, progressive and respected country.”
The summit, which officially opens tomorrow, represents more than the conclusion of Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean for the year.
It marks, instead, the country’s leadership in shaping “a more inclusive, resilient and people-centred future for Asean,” the PMO said.
This year’s summit will see Kuala Lumpur host regional and global leaders, including dialogue partners such as the United States, China, Japan, Australia, and South Korea, alongside guest countries Brazil, South Africa, Canada, and the European Union.
“This Summit is not merely the conclusion of Malaysia’s leadership for the year, but a symbol of the nation’s active role and leadership in shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and people-centred future for Asean,” the PMO said in a statement today.
The first of the day’s high-level meetings will see Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim receive Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whose visit marks his first to Malaysia since returning to office in 2023.
According to the PMO, the meeting “marks a new chapter in Malaysia–Brazil relations,” reinforcing shared aspirations for global economic justice and prosperity.
It follows Anwar’s attendance at the BRICS Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro in July, where Malaysia called for “a fairer, more balanced and sustainable international trade and financial system.”
Both leaders are expected to strengthen their commitment to exploring new areas of cooperation in trade, technology and development, and to exchange views on regional and global issues.
The PMO said the visit “reflects mutual confidence and the warmth of Malaysia–Brazil ties,” grounded in respect and a shared drive to advance South–South cooperation.
In the afternoon, Anwar is scheduled to host South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in what the PMO described as a reaffirmation of “long-standing and historic ties” between the two nations, founded on justice, solidarity and shared development.
It will be Ramaphosa’s first official visit to Malaysia since assuming office in 2018. The visit also precedes Anwar’s upcoming trip to South Africa next month, which will coincide with the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
The PMO said today’s meeting is expected to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, the halal industry, defence, science and innovation — including biotechnology, digitalisation, and skills development.
Malaysia also regards South Africa as its largest trading partner in Africa and seeks to expand palm oil exports and private sector participation in energy, agriculture, and high-value manufacturing.
Both leaders, the statement added, expressed “unwavering support for the Palestinian cause,” with Malaysia extending appreciation to South Africa for its leadership in bringing the matter before the International Court of Justice.
“These visits are not merely protocol but a testament to Malaysia’s balanced foreign relations across major global regions,” the PMO said.
“They form a strong foundation for Malaysia’s continuing foreign policy anchored on humanity, fair trade, and South–South cooperation.”
The statement concluded that Malaysia “will move forward with confidence” as it leads the Asean Summit this week, with hopes that the gathering will reinforce its standing as a trusted voice within and beyond the region.
