Cuban Ambassador Florentino Batista Gonzalez praised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for Malaysia’s proactive foreign policy that strengthens ties with the Global South. He emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation in tackling issues like poverty and tropical diseases. Gonzalez highlighted Malaysia’s leadership within ASEAN and its potential to enhance relations with Latin America, as well as a shared commitment with Cuba on humanitarian issues like Palestine.
In a recent statement, Florentino Batista Gonzalez, the Cuban ambassador to Malaysia, commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his innovative foreign policy initiatives aimed at fortifying Malaysia’s relations with the Global South. He characterized this engagement, particularly with BRICS nations, as a necessary strategy to provide developing countries with multiple partnerships and alternatives in international relations.
Ambassador Gonzalez emphasized the critical role of South-South cooperation in confronting shared challenges such as poverty, tropical diseases, and developmental disparities. He noted that it is imperative for Global South nations, including Malaysia and Cuba, to collaborate effectively, asserting that no external entity will address these issues on their behalf. He remarked, “Nobody’s going to come and face these problems for us. We need to combine our efforts if we want to get rid of these issues.”
The ambassador also praised Malaysia’s leadership in ASEAN and its potential to act as a conduit for Latin American engagement. He recognized Malaysia’s standing within the ASEAN community, highlighting its respect among neighboring countries, especially during its chairmanship. Gonzalez suggested that regional cooperation through ASEAN could expedite collaborations in sectors like biotechnology and technology, simplifying direct engagement between nations.
He further commended Malaysia’s balanced foreign relations strategy, pointing out that the country prioritizes the interests of its citizens and businesses. This diplomatic endeavor has opened substantial opportunities for Malaysia, enhancing resources for its economy and creating avenues for engagement in multilateral forums such as APEC and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Gonzalez noted, “These efforts bring resources to Malaysia, to the Malaysian people, companies and the economy. And that’s great diplomatic relations.”
In addition to economic partnerships, the ambassador highlighted the alignment of Malaysia and Cuba on global humanitarian issues, particularly regarding Palestine. He indicated a shared commitment to uniting for broader universal causes, citing Cuba’s participation in the South Africa case against Israel in the International Court of Justice as an exemplary cooperation exemplifying mutual understanding despite ideological differences. Malaysia and Cuba have shared diplomatic relations since 1975, reflecting a persistent commitment towards collaboration.
The Global South refers to the developing nations primarily in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania, which often face similar economic, social, and environmental challenges. In recent years, collaboration among these nations has gained momentum, emphasizing collective strategies to address mutual concerns. Malaysia has adopted a proactive foreign policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, focusing on enhancing ties with various nations within this group, such as those in BRICS. This approach has positioned Malaysia as a leader within ASEAN and as a potential bridge to Latin America, fostering opportunities for trade, technology exchange, and significant diplomatic relations.
In conclusion, Ambassador Gonzalez’s remarks reflect a strong endorsement of Malaysia’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. By embracing collaborative efforts within the Global South, Malaysia not only enhances its international standing but also creates crucial opportunities for addressing shared challenges effectively. The interplay of trade, technology advancement, and humanitarian cooperation will continue to define Malaysia’s role on the global stage, particularly in relation to Cuba and other developing nations.
Original Source: www.thesundaily.my
