KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Qatar are in agreement that the war in the Middle East must be brought to an immediate end, humanitarian aid delivery must be expedited, and all peace efforts must be strengthened to end the suffering of affected people, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the shared position was reached during a telephone conversation with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Wednesday (Sept 30).
Anwar said they discussed the latest developments in peace negotiations and the turmoil in the Middle East, particularly the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and efforts to ease tensions involving Iran.
"Malaysia will continue to support joint diplomatic efforts with Qatar and regional partners to ensure lasting peace," he said in a post on Facebook.
He also expressed hope that close Malaysia-Qatar relations would continue to grow, particularly in trade and investment.
The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for the invitation from Qatar Foundation chairman Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, to attend the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).
Apart from regional issues, Anwar said Sheikh Tamim also conveyed his condolences on the passing of his elder brother, Idrus Ibrahim.
"I greatly appreciate Sheikh Tamim's remembrance and condolences on the passing of my brother, the late Idrus Ibrahim," he said.
Idrus, 83, died at his residence in Cheruk Tok Kun, Bukit Mertajam, on Sept 24.
The Prime Minister said the Qatari leader also asked him to convey his condolences to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his family on the passing of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
Dr Siti Hasmah died at the National Heart Institute on Monday (Sept 28) at the age of 100. - Bernama
