Malaysia is confident that relations with Brazil will grow even further, now that the South American country is giving importance to improving ties with Asean nations. Malaysia's ambassador to Brazil, Ismail Mustapha, said that bilateral relations between Kuala Lumpur and Brasilia had strengthened over the years, both politically and economically, according to Malaysian News Agency Bernama. Total bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to US$1.5 billion last year and he was optimistic that despite the impediments faced by the two countries, such as distance, language, unfamiliarity with each other and connectivity, the figure would surpass US$2 billion this year. He said this in his speech at Malaysia's 50th National Day reception at his residence in the Brazilian capital recently, the text of which was faxed to Bernama. The highlight of the reception was a cultural presentation where the guests were treated to folk dances and a traditional Malay wedding performed by the embassy staff and their families. The finale of the cultural presentation was a song and dance called "Malaysia Truly Asia". About 350 people comprising politicians, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic Corps, the local media and friends of Malaysia attended the reception.
