Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and Kenya today exchanged views on regional peace, security, and multilateral cooperation during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto. Anwar expressed Malaysia's appreciation for Kenya's significant role as host to various United Nations (UN) agencies, and both leaders agreed to expand cooperation on sustainable urbanisation and resilient urban development.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted the discussions on regional and global developments, including the issues of Palestine and Sudan, humanitarian conflict, climate change, and the urgent need for international reform to be more inclusive and fair, truly reflecting the voice of developing countries. Anwar shared these insights during a joint press conference.

Meanwhile, Ruto emphasized the shared commitment of both leaders to reform the global financial architecture and the United Nations. He acknowledged Malaysia's efforts in East Asia and Kenya's peace initiatives in East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Ruto also expressed support for President Donald Trump's intervention in the Sudan crisis, which has escalated into a humanitarian catastrophe.

Ruto further advocated for Africa's demand for two permanent seats on the UN Security Council with full rights, including the power of veto, alongside two additional non-permanent seats. He pointed out the unfairness and undemocratic nature of Africa's exclusion from the world's top decision-making body, considering the continent's 54 countries and 1.4 billion population.

Additionally, Ruto conveyed his gratitude to Malaysia for supporting the upgrade and expansion of the UN Office in Nairobi, the only UN headquarters presence in the Global South. He expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the Malaysian government, and its people for this important visit.