Cuban Ambassador Applauds Malaysia’s Initiatives for Global South Cooperation

Cuban Ambassador Florentino Batista Gonzalez commended Malaysia’s engagement with the Global South and BRICS, arguing for increased collaboration among developing nations to tackle common challenges. He emphasized Malaysia’s leadership in ASEAN and its potential role in bridging connections with Latin America, while also noting the alignment of both countries on critical issues such as Palestine.

Cuban Ambassador to Malaysia, Florentino Batista Gonzalez, has expressed his support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s proactive foreign policy. He highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to engage with developing nations through strategic initiatives that enhance collaboration within the Global South. Gonzalez referred to Malaysia’s participation in BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—as a commendable and essential strategy for navigating global challenges.

The ambassador emphasized the necessity of South-South cooperation to tackle issues like poverty and tropical diseases, asserting that countries in the Global South must collaborate to confront these common challenges. “Nobody’s going to come and face these problems for us. It’s not just Cuba or Malaysia; it’s our Global South. We need to combine our efforts if we want to get rid of these issues,” he stated.

Additionally, Gonzalez acknowledged Malaysia’s significant role within ASEAN, noting its potential as a conduit to enhance cooperation with Latin America. He remarked on Malaysia’s respected leadership among its ASEAN peers, suggesting that its position could facilitate growth in trade, particularly in the biotechnology and technology sectors.

He further praised Malaysia’s balanced approach to foreign relations, highlighting its engagement in various multilateral forums which have yielded substantial benefits for both the Malaysian economy and its citizens. “These efforts bring resources to Malaysia, to the Malaysian people, companies and the economy. And that’s great diplomatic relations,” Gonzalez concluded.

The ambassador also pointed out ideological alignments on critical global issues, such as Palestine, underscoring the solidarity between nations with different backgrounds. He referred to Cuba’s involvement in the South Africa lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice, emphasizing instances where countries can unite for a shared cause. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1975, both Malaysia and Cuba have pursued pathways of mutual respect and cooperation, fostering an evolving relationship that promises further development.

The commentary from Cuban Ambassador Florentino Batista Gonzalez comes in the wake of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s foreign relations, particularly with nations in the Global South. The engagement with BRICS marks a significant turn in Malaysia’s diplomatic strategies as it seeks alternative pathways for international collaboration. The emphasis on South-South cooperation reflects a trend among developing nations to tackle shared challenges collaboratively. The dynamics within ASEAN and Malaysia’s potential bridging role to Latin America also highlight the importance of regional cooperation and trade relations in achieving common developmental goals.

In summary, the Cuban Ambassador’s remarks underscore a positive reception of Malaysia’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, particularly regarding engagement with the Global South and BRICS. The focus on collective action among developing nations to address shared challenges, alongside Malaysia’s leadership role in ASEAN, highlights the potential for enhanced cooperation in various sectors. Both Malaysia and Cuba’s stances on global issues demonstrate a commitment to unity and collaboration beyond ideological differences.

Original Source: bernama.com