KUCHING: Sarawak’s Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, received a courtesy call from Ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia, Daniella Ortega Menezes, at his office in Bangunan Baitulmakmur, Petra Jaya, Kuching.

This was the Ambassador’s first official visit to Sarawak since assuming her post as Brazil’s Ambassador to Malaysia on 1 August 2025.

During the meeting, Dato Sri Lee and the Ambassador exchanged views on potential areas of collaboration between Brazil and Sarawak, particularly in the aviation and transport sectors.

She commended Sarawak for establishing its own state-owned airline, AirBorneo, noting that this initiative reflects the Sarawak Government’s commitment to improving air connectivity and advancing its transport sector.

She also shared that Embraer, Brazil’s leading aircraft manufacturer, produces aircraft models that could be well-suited for Sarawak’s regional and domestic routes.

Both the Ambassador and Dato Sri Lee highlighted that Brazil and Sarawak share similar geographical and climatic characteristics, with certain parts of Brazil also facing challenges of limited road access, giving them a strong appreciation of the importance of air connectivity in linking communities and supporting regional growth.

Dato Sri Lee expressed his appreciation for the Ambassador’s courtesy visit and for sharing insights on Brazil’s aviation industry and sustainability initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a cordial exchange of views on transport and aviation development. Both sides expressed hope to maintain communication and explore potential linkages between Sarawak and Brazil in the future.

Among those present were Honorary Consul of Brazil in Sarawak, Datuk Amar Jaul Anak Samion, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, Datu Wong Hee Sieng, and Head of the Aviation Division, Zulkarnain Rosli. - UKASnews