RIO DE JANEIRO: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began his programme on Sunday (Nov 17) with a casual discussion session with the Muslim community here.
He also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to assisting in halal-related matters, besides efforts to uplift the status of Islam through education and dakwah (teachings) to the Muslim community in Brazil.
"In the meeting, we were able to discuss and exchange views on the development of the ummah in this country,” he told reporters after meeting representatives of the only mosque here, the Masjid El Nur (Mesquita da Luz).
The mosque was represented by its president, Mohamed Zeinhom Mohamed El Fateh Mohamed Abdien; its Imam, Sancho Jorge Mulungo @ Adam; the deputy director of the Social Department, Julia Leal Menezes; and its financial director, Abdullah AL Masri.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan was also present at the meeting.
Anwar also presented contributions to the Muslim community here, including a specially printed copy of the Quran, including 10 additional copies with Portuguese translation.
He added that Malaysia would also mobilise efforts to support activities in the mosque.
Anwar arrived in the bustling coastal city on Saturday (Nov 16) after attending the Apec Economic Leaders Week (AELW) in Lima, Peru, for his first official visit to Brazil.
Apart from Malaysia, 16 other countries, including Chile, Qatar, Egypt, Singapore, Spain, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam, are guest countries for the Group of 20 (G20) Summit 2024
Anwar is here on the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. – Bernama