From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Bahamas Information Services Updates
Malaysia and Bahamas strengthen relations
By Kathryn Campbell
Nov 23, 2013 - 10:31:57 AM
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Nassau, The Bahamas – Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes accepted the credentials of High Commissioner of Malaysia to The Bahamas Jojie Samuel M.C. Samuel during a short ceremony in the Drawing Room of Government House, Thursday, November 21.
Following the ceremony, Sir Arthur welcomed the new High Commissioner to “beautiful” Bahamas with the hope that during his tenure he has the opportunity to experience the diversity of the islands.
He asked High Commissioner Jojie Samuel to convey greetings on behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas to His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim, King of Malaysia.
Sir Arthur said since establishing diplomatic relations in 2001, “The Bahamas has honoured these ties and remains committed to strengthening and deepening these links through shared values and cooperation as evidenced in the multilateral forum.”
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He thanked the Government of Malaysia for concluding a reciprocal agreement to support the bid of The Bahamas to be re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation at Category ‘C’.
The Bahamas’ presence on the Council is testimony to its maritime heritage and leadership in maritime affairs, said Sir Arthur.
Describing Malaysia as a “jewel” within South Asia, Sir Arthur said it is one of the region’s most rapidly advancing and prosperous states, which could be attributed to its impressive portfolio of technical strengths and core competencies.
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“In this light, the intention of The Bahamas is also to increase the bilateral relationship between our countries with the aim to enhance and create a meaningful and fruitful mutually beneficially relationship,” he stated.
He noted the generosity of the Malaysian Government in providing Bahamians with a variety of multi-disciplinary scholarships and short-term training courses through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme in economic development, safety and security, disaster management.
“These initiatives facilitated by your government are most commendable,” said Sir Arthur. “The Bahamas is most grateful for this cooperation as it is a strong indication of the commitment of Malaysia to this bilateral relationship and an impetus for further cooperation particularly in the areas of technology and trade which are imperatives for The Bahamas as we seek to diversify our economy.”
The High Commissioner noted that Malaysia and The Bahamas have always enjoyed “cordial” relations and share common views on politics, economics and social issues on a regional and international basis.
“As members of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Group of 77 and the Non-Aligned Movement, Malaysia values the friendship and cooperation with The Bahamas. It is our hope that these relations will be further strengthened in the years to come in the interest of our two countries and other developing economies,” he stated.
During his tenure the High Commissioner vowed to further improve bilateral relations and see Malaysia and The Bahamas improve economic and trade relations in the future. He said, “There are vast opportunities in economics, trade and cultural co-operation.”
In 2012 bilateral trade between Malaysia and The Bahamas was $54 million, an increase of 24.8 percent compared to the previous year. Although small, the High Commissioner said it is a positive indication that there are prospects for expansion and both countries should capitalise on this momentum.
The High Commissioner suggested that the two countries could explore tourism, information and communications technology, offshore financial services and construction.
“Malaysia especially would like to see more Bahamians participating in the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme, an initiative started in 1980 to share Malaysian technical expertise with developing countries.
“In the future Malaysia and The Bahamas should look into the possibility of negotiating and entering into agreements covering trade and economic cooperation as this would provide a conducive framework for the promotion of closer relations,” he added.
