Malaysia, Brazil committed to boost bilateral relations in multiple sectors - PM Anwar

He said both countries also committed to strengthen cooperation in fields of semiconductors, food technology, education and culture.

"We have some expertise (in semiconductor sector) to share with you while in food technology, you (Brazil) have better expertise.

"We also discussed about the possibility of increased import of poultry products from Brazil," he said.

Anwar said this in a joint press conference with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after a bilateral meeting at Seri Perdana, here, Saturday.

Anwar said Malaysia and Brazil could also serve as key partners in fostering deeper collaboration between ASEAN and the South American region.

"Let us ensure that our two countries and two regions, Latin America and ASEAN, work together to become one of the key pillars in ensuring that our relations extend beyond trade investments, politics and culture," he said.

During the press conference, Anwar also commended Lula's stance on the atrocities committed against the Palestinians and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, a cause that is close to the hearts of many Malaysians.

He described the Brazilian president as one of the few world leaders who have shown exceptional courage in speaking out against the atrocities.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Lula on being conferred an Honorary Doctorate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in recognition of his leadership and contributions to advancing the Global South at a special convocation ceremony today.

Lula is currently on an official visit to Malaysia from Oct 25 to 27 as Guest of the Chair of ASEAN, in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here.

The visit marked his first to Malaysia since assuming office for a new term in January 2023, and also the first by a Brazilian President to ASEAN Summit since the country becomes the bloc's sectoral dialogue partner in 2022.