KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's support for the Palestinian cause through a 20-minute phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The Foreign Ministry said a significant part of the phone conversation between both leaders focused on the critical situation in Gaza, particularly the recent Israeli attack in Rafah.
"Both leaders reaffirmed their steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and a permanent ceasefire.
"They also expressed disappointment in the recent failure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to reach a consensus on halting the fighting in Gaza," the ministry said in a statement.
Anwar also expressed his gratitude to Abdel Fattah and the Egyptian government for facilitating the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
"With assistance from the Egyptian government, Malaysia successfully delivered 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid (valued at US$1.2 million) through the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC).
"Ongoing deliveries, including 100,000 food packs, medicines, and medical equipment, are being carried out with full support from Egyptian authorities."
Additionally, Anwar also thanked the Egyptian president for accommodating the special visit of Malaysian Parliamentarians led by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin to Egypt from Feb 21 to 24.
"The delegation had special access to visit the Rafah border on February 23 2024 and held meetings with key Egyptian officials and Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) representatives.
"The visit underscores Malaysia's commitment to the Palestinian cause and addresses the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.
"Anwar assured Abdel Fattah of Malaysia's continued assistance to the Palestinian people, including additional financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), following recent decisions by some countries to suspend their financial support to UNRWA."
The leaders also deliberated on the proposed visit of Prof Dr Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb Sheikh Al Azhar, to Malaysia in July this year.
This visit, the ministry said, was planned in conjunction with a programme organised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
Anwar also conveyed his congratulations to Abdel Fattah on his victory in last year's Egyptian Presidential Election in December.
They discussed Malaysia-Egypt ties and expressed a shared commitment to elevating relations while also inviting Abdel Fattah to visit Malaysia later this year.