Anwar wraps 3-nation tour with major wins on trade, diplomacy and Gaza
He said the visit went beyond investment and trade promotion, focusing also on strengthening government-to-government ties.
"Some critics have remarked, 'we're not asking them to invest, we're buying'. But even when purchasing aircraft, negotiations must ensure the terms benefit our country," he said.
"We set conditions, such as requiring part of the production or operations to be based in Malaysia. This is how we secure national benefit — through strategic leadership."
Anwar said that his meetings with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro were instrumental in articulating Malaysia's stance on the war in West Asia and Israel's atrocities in Gaza.
"Macron issued a statement calling for a ceasefire and immediate humanitarian aid.
"Meloni echoed support for a ceasefire and reaffirmed her backing for a two-state solution recognising Palestine as free, independent and sovereign."
At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio, Anwar said many leaders supported Malaysia's call for strengthened multilateralism.
"All expressed concern over unilateral actions and trade sanctions, including punitive tariffs. China, India, Brazil and South Africa criticised the legacy of Trump-era trade measures."
Anwar was speaking at the conclusion of his three-nation tour, accompanied by a delegation representing major Malaysian corporations including Petronas, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Maybank, FGV Holdings, YTL Power and Sunway.
Following his visit to Paris, the prime minister participated in the BRICS Summit in Brazil at the invitation of President Lula.
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