PUTRAJAYA: Asean has taken a firm position in supporting a long-lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with Malaysia pledging to give its utmost support to the territory’s reconstruction efforts, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said that Malaysia as the chair of the regional grouping this year is committed to ensuring adequate support is given to the reconstruction effort in Gaza.
"The Foreign Minister, Datuk Mohamad Hassan, last month had an engagement with all (Asean) foreign ministers where they reiterated that position.
"I'll continue the engagement with all the leaders so that we can give adequate support to Japan’s initiative, co-chaired with Malaysia, for the immediate reconstruction of Gaza,” he said in a joint media conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan here.
Erdogan arrived in Malaysia on Tuesday (Feb 11) for a two-day official visit.
Anwar emphasised Malaysia's unwavering commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza and other parts of Palestine.
"More pressing is, of course, the reconstruction of Gaza, Palestine. Turkiye has shown leadership, as we know they have sent at least 100 ships of equipment and support for humanitarian assistance. This is spectacular and unmatched by any other country, as far as I know," he said.
The Prime Minister affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to doing its part, utilising various facilities in Turkiye, as well as in Qatar and Egypt to support the ongoing humanitarian assistance to Gazans.
Additionally, he announced Malaysia's support for Japan's initiative to establish a fund specifically for the reconstruction of Gaza.
Last month, Anwar said Malaysia will build a school, hospital and mosque to kick off concerted efforts by the country to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza, which was heavily bombarded by Israeli forces after the war broke out in October last year.
He said the reconstruction effort would be carried out in collaboration with the people and private sector. - Bernama
More to come.
