Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held high-level discussions with Dr Ahmed Idris, the Secretary General and CEO of the Kenya Red Cross Society, focusing on deepening cooperation in humanitarian response, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.
Prime Minister Anwar described Dr Idris as “a figure with an excellent record in humanitarian work, public policy, and international law,” noting that the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on how both countries can better support vulnerable communities amid growing global crises.
“We exchanged views regarding the role of the Kenya Red Cross in protecting vulnerable communities, strengthening disaster preparedness, and improving policy frameworks to address increasingly complex humanitarian challenges,” Anwar said.
He acknowledged the Kenya Red Cross as a highly influential institution, one that commands respect across the country, including within the Muslim community, making it “a platform to promote humanitarian values and benevolence effectively.”
Anwar praised Dr Idris for his dedication to advancing humanitarian work across Kenya and the African region, adding that Malaysia’s commitment to global humanity extends beyond physical development to encompass “values of compassion, justice, and human dignity.”
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister expressed Malaysia’s readiness to explore joint initiatives with the Kenya Red Cross in areas such as training, capacity building, and expertise sharing, ensuring that “no community is left behind when facing disasters and crises.”
Dr Idris welcomed the discussions, noting that the humanitarian landscape has become increasingly complex, with millions facing hunger, disease, and displacement.
“More than ever, today requires the commitment of every leader to support those faced by the risks of hunger, disease and displacement,” he said.
“The Kenya Red Cross and the wider Red Cross–Red Crescent movement will rely on your leadership to enhance the role of Malaysia in scaling up humanitarian support to those in need globally.”
He also expressed gratitude to partners such as Dr Jemilah Mahmood, whose efforts helped establish collaboration with Malaysian institutions, including MAIPS Perlis.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties between Malaysia and Kenya in the humanitarian sphere.