RIO DE JANEIRO: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has landed in Brazil, South America’s largest nation, coming from Lima, Peru, for his official state visit and participation in the Group of 20 (G20) Summit 2024. Malaysia holds the status of a guest country at this global forum.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in addition to Malaysia, 16 other nations, including Chile, Qatar, Egypt, Singapore, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, are also attending the G20 as guest countries. The G20 comprises 19 countries and two unions: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, United States, European Union (EU), and the African Union (AU).
The Prime Minister’s special flight touched down at Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão Air Force Base at 10.24 pm on November 16 in Brazil, which corresponds to 9.24 am on November 17, Malaysia time. Anwar is visiting Brazil at the invitation of Pre
sident Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Upon arrival, Anwar received a Guard of Honour from representatives including Galeão Air Force Deputy Commander Lieutenant Colonel Buch Itamaraty and Councillor Orlando Timponi from Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials present at the airport included Malaysia’s Ambassador to Brazil, Gloria Tiwet, First Secretary Muhamad Muhaimin bin Azmi, and Third Secretary Anwar bin Umar Ruszaman.
Anwar is accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The Malaysian delegation also includes Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, among other senior officials.
Under Brazil’s leadership, Malaysia is involved in two key G20 initiatives: the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and the G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB). Duri
ng the summit, Anwar will present Malaysia’s stance in sessions addressing ‘Fight Against Hunger and Poverty’ and ‘Reform of Global Governance Institutions.’
The Prime Minister is scheduled to engage with leaders of G20 nations to deliberate on issues of bilateral and multilateral interest. Additionally, discussions with the Brazilian President will focus on trade, investment, the semiconductor industry, and reinforcing the bilateral relationship.
Rio de Janeiro, known for its iconic beaches, the Christ the Redeemer statue, and the vibrant Carnaval festival, serves as the backdrop for this significant diplomatic engagement. In 2023, Brazil ranked as Malaysia’s 20th largest trading partner, 29th in exports, and 17th in imports, highlighting its importance in Malaysia’s economic landscape. Among Latin American and Caribbean countries, Brazil stands as Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner and export destination, while being its largest import source.