MELBOURNE, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman officially opened the Malaysian Consulate General office here Wednesday, amid a gathering of distinguished Malaysian and Australian guests.
Describing it as a momentous and auspicious occasion, Anifah, who was accompanied by wife, Datin Seri Siti Rubiah Abdul Samad, said it was "a symbol of the close relationship between Malaysia and Australia".
He said the consulate would play a vital role to further advance bilateral relations in key areas such as trade and investment, education, culture and tourism, as well as people-to-people links.
The minister said Melbourne had always been a favourite choice for Malaysians to pursue higher education.
Anifah noted there were 40,000 Malaysians, including 9,000 students, living in Greater Melbourne.
"This is not only due to the high standard of education offered, but also due to its friendly and healthy living environment," he said.
Anifah said the recent signing of the Malaysia Australia Free Trade Agreement, would provide further impetus for the private sector in both countries to expand.
He welcomed the presence of SP Setia, CIMB, MRCB and other Malaysian companies which had begun operating here.
The minister and the High Commissioner in Canberra, Datuk Salman Ahmad, paid tribute to Consul-General Dr Mohd Rameesh Yahaya for the dedicated and efficient way he had set up the elegant consulate.
In welcoming the guests, including the Governor of Victoria Alex Chernow, Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle, State Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Richard Dalla-Riva and the consular corps here, Salman said he was "especially excited" about the establishment of the consulate situated "along the posh St Kilda Rd".
"The obvious fact is, this office will reduce a huge chunk of our workload in Canberra, and potentially much more when many more of our clients know of its existence here," said Salman.
-- BERNAMA
