Strategic Malaysia-Egypt Cooperation Can Strengthen Support For Palestine
By Noor Azuki Fahme Ismail
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Strategic cooperation between Malaysia and Egypt has significant potential to strengthen global support for the Palestinian cause and contribute to resolving the protracted conflict based on international law, according to a geopolitical expert.
International and ASEAN Studies Institute (IINTAS) director at the International Islamic University Malaysia, Prof Dr Phar Kim Beng, said the two countries’ distinct but complementary geostrategic positions and diplomatic strengths, if combined, could result in more practical and coordinated action on the issue.
He said Malaysia brings ASEAN experience that emphasises dialogue, diplomacy, consensus-building and managing differences, while Egypt has experience in Arab and African diplomacy as well as first-hand knowledge of geopolitical developments in Palestine.
“Malaysia-Egypt relations have a strategic value that extends beyond bilateral cooperation.
“They can connect Southeast Asian diplomacy with West Asian diplomacy,” he told Bernama in conjunction with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s maiden visit to Malaysia, beginning this Friday.
Elaborating on support for Palestine, Phar said cooperation between the two countries could be pursued at two levels, namely short-term efforts focusing on the delivery of basic humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, medical treatment and healthcare, clean water and child protection.
He said in the medium and long term, efforts to rebuild Gaza would require a more structured approach, with addressing the political roots of the conflict towards achieving a just and lasting peace in Palestine as the main objective.
“Malaysia has the capacity, through the government, non-governmental organisations, medical institutions, universities and the private sector, to contribute expertise and resources, while Egypt has an advantage in terms of location and logistics due to its proximity to Gaza,” he said.
Phar also viewed Malaysia and Egypt’s status in the BRICS group as an advantage that provides both countries with an additional channel to voice the interests of developing countries in international forums.
Egypt has been a full member of BRICS since January 2024, while Malaysia joined BRICS as a partner country in January 2025.
“Malaysia and Egypt can advocate more balanced multilateralism; respect for international law, protection of civilians, access to humanitarian aid and conflict resolution through diplomacy,” he said.
He said the Palestinian issue could be among those that demonstrate that the Global South has the capacity not only to voice opposition, but also to offer solutions.
El-Sisi is scheduled to visit Malaysia on Oct 9 and 10, marking the first visit by an Egyptian president to the country in nearly three decades.
-- BERNAMA
