Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his New Zealand counterpart Chris Luxon on Monday said they were united in calling for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict in Gaza and finding a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
"We both are very united in calling for an immediate ceasefire, getting the parties around the negotiating table and finding a two-state solution," Luxon said at a joint press conference.
Anwar said prospects for a ceasefire did not look encouraging at present, saying there was a lack of commitment from countries, particularly the United States, who could exert their influence to stop the conflict.
"The only hope is to engage the United States to take a stronger stance," Anwar said.
Muslim-majority Malaysia is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has long advocated a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
Anwar has good relations with the political leadership of the Palestinian group Hamas but maintains he has no involvement in its military apparatus.
Luxon, who is on a three-day visit to Malaysia, also said New Zealand would expand defence cooperation with Malaysia and was deploying one of its air force's P8 Poseidon patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to Butterworth in Malaysia's northern Penang state, for a joint exercise.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
"Paid The Worst Price": Israeli Families Bury Hostages Recovered From Gaza 11 Killed In Israeli Strike On School Sheltering Displaced Palestinians Israel PM Netanyahu Vows To Settle Score With Hamas As Bodies Of 6 Hostages Found In Gaza "How Can House Be Demolished Because..." Top Court On 'Bulldozer Justice' Netflix India's Head Of Content Summoned Over 'IC 814' Web Series Row Caught On CCTV: Bike-Borne Killers Attack Pune Ex Corporator, He Dies Explained: Controversy Surrounding Netflix's 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' Top Court Forms Committee To Settle Grievances Of Protesting Farmers Explained: Weaponised Drones Arrive In Crisis-Hit Manipur In Major Escalation Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.