KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (KUNA) -- Malaysia and South Africa have re-affirmed their backing to Palestine and the inalienable right of Palestinians to self-determination and establish their sovereign and independent state.
This came in a joint statement made on Saturday by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa during his official visit to Malaysia that coincides with the 47th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and relevant meetings in Kuala Lumpur on October 26-28.
Both sides called for a fair and inclusive solution to achieve permanent peace and stability in the region, affirming support to international initiatives aiming to reach an unconditional, immediate and permanent ceasefire.
They also demanded lifting the blockade on Gaza, ensuring the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid and protecting all civilians, according to the statement.
They agreed on the need of abiding by international system based on the UN Charter, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, referring that military action could not be a means to solve conflicts, it noted.
They stressed that permanent peace could be achieved by diplomacy, dialogue and multilateral efforts.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa congratulated Ibrahim on his country's presidency of ASEAN for 2025.
Malaysian premier lauded South Africa's role during chairing the G-20 and its contributions to the BRICS group in a manner that boosts common interests and cooperation.
They underlined the importance of boosting bilateral ties and cooperation in main fields like trade, industry, defense, education and more, the statement concluded.(end) aab.hm