Anwar's visit shows Malaysia-Egypt solidarity in supporting Palestinian struggle

CAIRO -The two-day working visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Egypt has shown the solidarity of Malaysia and Egypt in supporting the Palestinians' struggle for their rights and sovereignty.

This was evident as the Palestine issue and the fate and sufferings of Palestinians in Gaza were the focus of the four-eyed meeting between Anwar and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi yesterday.

The two leaders agreed that there would be no lasting stability and peace in the troubled region as long as the rights of the people and the sovereignty of Palestine were not restored.

"The clear objective is to defend the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian state. If this is not achieved, there will be no lasting solution and peace. This is the position shared with our allies, including Egypt, and yesterday in Turkiye, and before that in Riyadh; this is our collective view,” Anwar told Malaysian journalists at the end of his visit yesterday.

In fact, Anwar and El-Sisi are in agreement that Western countries should exert pressure on the Israeli regime to cease its attacks on Gaza as the sufferings of Palestinians in the region have reached a critical level.

Both leaders concurred that public facilities in Gaza, such as schools and hospitals, should not be bombed and destroyed by the Israeli regime.

Anwar and El-Sisi also discussed the best and most effective ways to extend humanitarian aid to Gaza and according to Anwar, El-Sisi agreed to facilitate the channelling of aid including clothing from Malaysia to Gaza.

Although their talks were focused on the Palestine issue, Anwar and El-Sisi, who were meeting for the first time since leading their countries, also touched on other issues concerning the Middle East and bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Egypt.

This includes trade and industry and for this, Anwar has directed the foreign ministry, through a committee to be formed later, to identify areas of cooperation that can be enhanced.

The meeting between Anwar and El-Sisi can also further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, and this was apparent when the Egyptian President agreed to make an official visit to Malaysia early next year.

During his visit, Anwar attended a gathering with the Malaysian diaspora and students in Egypt to explain the new policies introduced by his administration after he took over as prime minister in November last year.

Those present took the opportunity to seek clarification from Anwar on various issues, including current political developments in the country.

Anwar also made a courtesy call to Sheikh of Al-Azhar Prof Dr Ahmed el-Tayeb here, during which they discussed issues concerning the ummah and the welfare of Malaysian students in Egypt.

As a result of the discussions, the issue involving 60 students from Pahang who were unable to continue their studies at Al-Azhar University has been resolved.

The problem occurred because the 60 students arrived to study at the university without following the procedures set by the university and the Egyptian government. - BERNAMA