Ambassador of Malaysia to our country: “The occupier must leave the occupied territories”
Olke.Az interview with H.E. Dato' Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman was published by Faktat.az on 24 January 2018. The news portal published the exact same content of the interview but with the abovementioned heading to emphasize on Malaysia's position regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
We present the interview of H.E. DATO’ ROSLAN TAN SRI ABDUL RAHMAN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Republic of Azerbaijan, for “Olke.az” news portal.
Mr Ambassador, could you tell us about the history and current status of the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Azerbaijan, please?
Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan have always and continue to enjoy a close and friendly relationship since the establishment of the diplomatic relations on 5 April 1993. Azerbaijan established its diplomatic mission in Malaysia in June 2007, while Malaysia established its Embassy in Baku, the Republic of Azerbaijan on 1 April 2014.
The Honourable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia had an Official Visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan on 11-12 September 2014 at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev. The historic Official Visit was the first by a Malaysian Prime Minister to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In conjunction with the Official Visit, The Honourable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak accompanied by His Excellency Elmar Mammadyarov, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan and His Excellency Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman, Foreign Minister of Malaysia officiated the establishment of the Embassy of Malaysia in Baku, the Republic of Azerbaijan on 12 September 2014.
Both the Official Visit and the establishment of the Embassy of Malaysia paved the way for closer cooperation between Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan in areas of mutual interest, namely trade and investment. At the same time, the High-Level visit had also enhanced the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Do you expect any mutual official visits? In general, what could you say about the signed Agreements and their execution?
During these three years we have witnessed many high level meetings and exchange of visit between Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. These visits have enhanced the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
We had a number of visits from Malaysia to the Republic of Azerbaijan over the past three years. For instance, in 2016, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the 5th Prime Minister of Malaysia visited the Republic of Azerbaijan on 6-11 March 2016. The next month, from 11-14 April 2016, His Excellency Datuk Seri Ronald, Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of the Parliament of Malaysia had a working visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan in his capacity as the Chairman of the Malaysia-Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group (MAIPFG). Following the visit, Foreign Minister of Malaysia made a working visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan on 27-29 April 2016 and attended the 7th Global UNAOC Forum.
Last year, we had our first Royal visit by His Royal Highness Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, the Crown Prince of the Malaysian State of Perlis, who is also the Chancellor of the University of Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP). His Royal Highness Tuanku Syed Faizuddin led the UniMAP students and management Tour of Knowledge 2017 to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In 2017, we have successfully established educational links between Malaysian and Azerbaijani universities. MoUs had been signed between University of Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), a leading private university in Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training (HTVET) and Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) and also Khazar University; Northern University of Malaysia and Azerbaijan University of Economics; the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), the training arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and ADA University
University Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) took the opportunity to explore Azerbaijan’s vibrant education sector during the recent Tour of Knowledge on 20-26 November 2017. During the one-week visit, UniMAP, a renowned public university in Malaysia signed a MoU with Khazar University and a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Odlar Yurdu University.
The Government of Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan have signed MoUs and agreements on economic, scientific and technical cooperation. Both Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan had also successfully established the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group and hold mutual visits of the group members.
We expect more visits to happen this year. We also look forward to welcome President Ilham Aliyev in Malaysia. Hopefully there will be mutually agreeable time for this inaugural and historic visit.
With further exchanges of visits and signing of Agreements and MoUs, we are confident that the bilateral ties and cooperation between Malaysia and Azerbaijan will be further strengthened. Both countries have worked very hard to ensure that bilateral political and economic relations improve even further for mutual benefit.
Malaysia has its own place among the Islamic countries, in the world politics and it defends Azerbaijan’s just position by supporting it in the International Organizations. Mr Ambassador, how do you see the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia-Azerbaijan?
Malaysia has always been a strong supporter of Azerbaijan when it comes to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Malaysia is a country that stands for truth and justice. Therefore, we continue to defend the position of the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on this issue, in particular, on the issue of territorial integrity.
Malaysia strongly believes that Nagorno-Karabakh is an issue of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of Azerbaijan and theinadmissibility of the use of force by Armenia to acquire territory. In this regard, as a responsible United Nations Member State, Armenia must adhere to all UN resolutions and end their occupation from all occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
It is imperative that all differences are addressed through peaceful means, including dialogue and discussions amongst the countries concerned, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law. We recognised that the patience and good-naturedness of the Azerbaijani people should not be further tested and challenged.
It is important to uphold the principles of peaceful dialogue, understanding and respect for one another. Any action that could raise negative perception or create mistrust should be avoided. All parties should exercise self-restraint and to undertake positive efforts in enhancing mutual trust and confidence. However, the occupier must leave the occupied land. Status quo is unacceptable and intolerable.
Besides being a Federative State, Malaysia is also a tolerant country. Its state religion is Islam, but it is also a Home for the worshippers of the other religions. Is it difficult for Malaysia to maintain this tolerance?
Malaysia’s strength lies in the diversity of its population in terms of race, culture and religion. Thus, in the face of such diversity, Malaysia has embraced and practised moderation since independence. Moderation has not only ensured unity, but also allowed a firm foundation of political stability to form and enabling sustainable economic activities to flourish in the country.
Malaysia believes that moderation contributes towards peace, sustainable and inclusive development and harmony. It is an approach that draws upon the values of tolerance as well as mutual respect and understanding, and is applicable to resolve disputes. Given its comprehensive attributes, moderation is applicable in our conduct of relations in the economic, social, and cultural dimensions.
For instance, if you go to Penang, a state in the Northern Malaysia, you can witness four major religious worshipped buildings- the Goddess of Mercy Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Sri Mariamman Temple and the St George’s Church were built in close proximity along the streets. This is a reflection of the successful moderation approach used by Malaysia to instil a strong foundation in the hearts and minds of our people.
How would you characterize the development history of Malaysia after World War II and could you please talk about the development way of Malaysia after gaining Independence?
Malaysia gained its independence on 31 August 1957 from the British Colonial power. After independence, Malaysia has gone through several structural changes and development phases. Malaysia has transformed itself from a low-income agrarian economy to a rapid industrialising country with a diversified export based. By the beginning of the 21st century, Malaysia had become one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia.
At the same time, as I mentioned before, the Moderation approach by Malaysian Government has helped to ensure peace and stability and sustainable economic growth in the country.
Malaysia is famous for the electronics industry. Mr Ambassador, what are other leading fields in Malaysia?
Yes, Malaysia is famous in the Electrical and Electronics sector. Malaysia contributed over 10% of the world’s assembly, packaging, and test production market. Malaysia is also the 3rd largest exporters of photosensitive semiconductor device globally. I am happy to highlight that 9 out of 10 largest electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies are operating in Malaysia.
Besides the electronics industry, Malaysia is among the world’s leading producer of natural rubber and palm oil and its products. Malaysia is one of the main producer of the world’s palm oil. Natural rubber on the other hand has long been the most significant commercial crop produced mainly from large-scale plantations.
However, manufacturing still constitutes the largest single component of Malaysia’s economy. Tourism, services sectors and primary commodities such as petroleum, palm oil and natural rubber are among the major contributors to the economy. In addition, chemicals and chemical products, machinery equipment and parts, LNG, optical and scientific equipment, and manufactures of metals also contributed to Malaysia’s export growth in 2017.
Islamic Financing is also one of Malaysia’s strengths in services and has evolved in line with the innovations in the global finance.
Are you satisfied with the economic and trade relations between Malaysia and Azerbaijan, which are geographically far from each other?
Malaysia’s National Petroleum Company (PETRONAS) is actively involved in Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry. Pursuant to the establishment of the Embassy in Baku, PETRONAS had opened its operation here and acquired 15.5% stake in the Shah Deniz II production sharing agreement operated by a consortium of companies, 15.5% share in the South Caucasus Pipeline Company (SCPC), 15.5% share in the SCPC holding company, and 12.4% share in the Azerbaijan Gas Supply Company (AGSC).
Total expenditure by PETRONAS in the Republic of Azerbaijan thus far, is estimated around USD 4 billion. Malaysia sees Azerbaijan as a fast developing country in the region and recognised the importance and its engagement within the region.
From January until November 2017, Malaysia’s total export with the Republic of Azerbaijan grew by 11.5% to $8.8 million, an increased from $7.9 million in 2016.
Malaysia’s exports to the Republic of Azerbaijan is amounted to $8 million, which saw an increased by 4.5% from $7.64 million in 2016. The positive growth is contributed to the increase in imported machinery, equipment and parts products to the Republic of Azerbaijan. At the same time, the Republic of Azerbaijan’s exports to Malaysia from January to November 2017 has grown at 2.2% rate, to a total of $800,000 from $227,000 in 2016.
I believe that the trade between Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan will continue to grow in the future once we have more people to people relations that will further enhance the business opportunities in both countries. Of course, I believe the cost of Malaysian goods are competitive in comparison with neighbouring countries but shipping them from Malaysia to the Republic of Azerbaijan will add on to the cost.
Those involve in Business in the Republic of Azerbaijan especially the Chambers of Commerce etc. could at any time contact us for information on business match up/ opportunities with Malaysian Business Sector.
Mr Ambassador, how is the educational, health and cultural exchange between our countries?
2017 has been a fruitful year for our education sectors and I believe that the established cooperation will enhance people-to-people connectivity and promote cultural and social exchange. At the same time, I believe that the educational links between Malaysian Universities and Azerbaijani Universities will be a catalyst to transform Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan into global educational hubs in our respective regions.
I am confident that the partnerships between the universities will bring the education sectors in our countries to a new level in enhancing the bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In 2015, the Embassy had successfully organized a Malaysian Cultural Festival in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The three (3) days festival was done to promote Malaysian tourism and culture to the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Throughout our presence in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Embassy had played a substantial role in the promotion of Malaysia and will continue to play an active role in enhancing the people-to-people connectivity as well as cultural and social exchange.
Both Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan have yet to establish the cooperation in health but look forward to explore the potential areas of collaboration in the future.
Malaysia is famous for its ancient culture and history. Mr Ambassador, how is the tourism relations between the two countries?
Regarding tourism, both Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan are working together to promote our countries as the main tourism destinations in our respective regions.
From January until October 2017, we had about 869 Azerbaijani tourists visiting Malaysia. The number is an evidence of positive growth in comparison to 734 Azerbaijani tourists within the same period in 2016.
To promote and encourage Azerbaijani to visit Malaysia, we have made it convenient for Azerbaijani passport holder to enter the country. Visa is not required for Azerbaijan passport holders entering Malaysia for a stay up to 30 days.
Azerbaijan has simplified visa procedure for Malaysians too. Now, a Malaysian citizen can obtain a single entry visa upon arrival at the Heydar Aliyev International or apply an e-visa prior traveling to Azerbaijan.
Moreover, Azerbaijan Manat is stronger than Malaysian Ringgit, which is an advantage for Azerbaijani tourists travelling to Malaysia. Also the tourism services in Malaysia are one of the best in Southeast Asia, so we encourage Azerbaijani tourists to visit Malaysia.
I believe that the tourism sectors between the two countries will be further enhanced if Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan have a direct flight to facilitate traveling. Last year, Azerbaijan Airlines had announced its new flying destination to Bangkok, Thailand. Since Malaysia and Thailand are neighbouring countries and the flight from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur is only 2 hours and 15 minutes, I hope that Azerbaijan Airlines will consider to include Kuala Lumpur in its flying destination to Southeast Asia.
We also have Malaysia’s leading budget airlines, Air Asia flying to Tehran from Kuala Lumpur. We will try to bring Air Asia to Azerbaijan so that they could also fly to Baku from Tehran and vice versa. The prices offered by Air Asia are competitive and among the cheapest in the market with an average price around $ 300- 500 depending on the dates and availability of tickets.
Mr Ambassador, what other fields would you like to be developed between the two countries while implementing your diplomatic duty?
While serving my duty as the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of Azerbaijan, I am highly interested to strengthen and enhance the good relations between the two countries. Given the success we had in establishing the educational links between the Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, I hope that we can continue the people-to-people exchange which in return will open many opportunities for us to explore the potential areas of cooperation.
In addition, I also hope that the bilateral economic cooperation especially in trade and investment between Malaysia and the Republic of Azerbaijan will continue. I know that many Malaysians companies are highly interested to explore Azerbaijan’s vibrant and diversify economic sectors.
Our bilateral and economic relations are robust and growing even stronger. I wish the two countries will maintain the good relations and continue to develop it further.
Khayala Suleymangizi
Olke.az