MELBOURNE: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following the dire humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The two leaders, in a joint statement following the Malaysia - Australia Annual Leaders' Meeting (ALM), called on all quarters to respect the lives of civilians as well as abide by international humanitarian law.
"All parties must respect civilian lives and international humanitarian law.
"They repeated calls for safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access in Gaza, safe passage for civilians, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," the statement said.
"The leaders recognised that both countries have strongly advocated for de-escalation and the need for a political resolution that achieves a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security within internationally agreed borders, based on the pre-1967 lines."
In the statement, the two leaders also voiced their deep concern over the ongoing suffering of the people of Myanmar following the coup by the army in 2012, and sternly condemned the continued cruelty.
Anwar and Albanese both called for the military regime to take concrete action to end cruelty, free those detained illegally, allow humanitarian aid access, and engage in inclusive national dialogues.
"Both leaders confirmed their support for efforts led by Asean and the Five Point Consensus to tackle the political crisis in Myanmar, which has to be implemented fully," read the statement.
Both prime ministers also discussed the worrying situation in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, and acknowledged the impact of the crisis on the region, including on food and energy supplies.
"Consistent with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution No. ES-11/6 dated Feb 23, 2023, leaders demanded Russia immediately withdraw its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, and underlined the need to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible, consistent with the UN Charter, including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.
"They urged Russia to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They called for unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for those in need in Ukraine, as well as adherence to the applicable norms of international humanitarian and human rights law," read the statement.