KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia and France have renewed their joint demand for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, calling on Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian access as the war continues to devastate civilians.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, speaking at a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris, said both countries were united in their condemnation of the violence.
“Of course, we have condemned the continued bombings and atrocities inflicted upon civilians, women and children. And it’s a shame that the international community is not able to resolve this,” Anwar said, as quoted by Bernama.
He praised Macron’s diplomatic push for peace, saying Malaysia backed the French President’s efforts to help resolve the crisis.
“So your initiative was supported by us. No question about peace, and if it takes two sides to secure peace, I agree with you,” said the prime minister.
Anwar also voiced strong criticism of what he described as selective application of international norms, particularly over nuclear issues involving Iran and Israel.
“I don’t think we can deny the issue of the use of nuclear for peaceful means. Nuclear non-proliferation, proliferation, or even power, cannot be seen to be selective,” he said.
“If you say no to Iran, (and) you say yes to Israel, we have a problem; try and resolve that,” he was reported as saying.
At the same time, Anwar noted that Malaysia supports the peaceful use of nuclear energy – if there is full transparency and international oversight.
“We must impress upon Iran to use this for peaceful methods and peaceful means and allow for inspection, which they have given a commitment,” he said.
Macron, echoing the call for urgent action in Gaza, said both leaders agreed a ceasefire was essential and that aid must be allowed to reach those in need.
“We are working with several parties, among them Saudi (Arabia), towards this. For now, Israel must allow for aid to reach Gaza,” he added.
The French President also reaffirmed that his government sees a two-state solution as the only viable path forward.
“A two-state solution is the best way to resolve the issue of Palestine-Israel,” he said.
Speaking earlier on the palace steps, Macron stressed: “I commend the efforts of the mediators and call for the swift conclusion of the agreement currently on the table.”
Turning to Iran, Macron urged the Islamic Republic to “unequivocally reaffirm its support for the Non-Proliferation Treaty and withdraw its law limiting cooperation with the IAEA.”
He said Iran must also agree to a deal “that will necessarily lead to the end of uranium enrichment in Iran, while allowing the country to benefit from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.”
“This has been the focus of my discussions with the Iranian President, as well as with Russian President Vladimir Putin and, just yesterday, with American President Donald Trump. I will continue talks in the coming days with other members of the Security Council,” he added.
“We condemn just as firmly the attacks on civilian populations. This war of aggression launched by Russia has consequences far beyond Europe – as we are now seeing with the deployment of North Korean soldiers on European soil,” he said.
Anwar’s visit concluded with a working dinner and closed-door meeting with Macron before he departed for Rio de Janeiro – the final leg of his three-country tour, which began in Germany and will end in Brazil.
Anwar is expected to continue Malaysia’s diplomatic engagements in Rio de Janeiro, where he will attend the BRICS Summit. – July 5, 2025