The Embassy of Malaysia, Berlin hosted a reception on the occasion of the National Day 2015 at Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Berlin on 16 September 2015. The event was attended by some 280 guests from the diplomatic corps, government sector, business sector, academic institutions, think tanks, civil society organizations as well as representatives from different Malaysian communities throughout Germany. H.E. Dr. Norbert Riedel, Regional Director for the Asia and the Pacific at the Federal Foreign Office was invited as the guest of honour at the Reception.
In his welcoming remark, H.E. Ambassador Dato’ Zulkifli Adnan touched on the close relations between Germany and Malaysia that dates back to the year 1958. He noted active high level exchanges that have taken place between Malaysia and Germany in recent months as well as those that are being planned in the near future. These include the visit by YB Foreign Minister to Berlin in June 2015, the upcoming trade mission to be led by YB Minister of International Trade and Industry in September 2015, as well as the trade mission to Malaysia led the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy in October 2015.
H.E. Ambassador further highlighted the importance of Malaysia-Germany trade in defining bilateral relationship between the two countries. Apart from that, exchanges in education and tourism sectors are also important. H.E. Ambassador touched on two major highlights of Malaysia’s foreign policy for the year 2015 – Chairmanship of ASEAN and non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
On the recent fall of the Malaysian Ringgit, H.E. Ambassador clarified that despite the negative perception, Malaysia is still in a better position compared to during the Asian financial crisis in 1997. Despite the fall in the currency, positive growth which exceeded expectations can still be seen in the first half of 2015. In terms of rankings, Malaysia remains among the most competitive and business-friendly nations in the world.
In his remark, Dr. Riedel echoed H.E. Ambassador’s sentiment regarding the close relationship between Malaysia and Germany. To Germany, Malaysia is an important ally in the Southeast Asia, and it is in Germany’s interest to see relations with Malaysia continue to flourish. He further commended the active role that Malaysia is playing in ASEAN and the UN Security Council. He added that Germany is closely keeping an eye on the development of ASEAN in light of the eventual realization of the ASEAN Community by the end of 2015.
Dr. Riedel also commended Malaysia for its ability to remain resilient despite the uncertainties faced in the global financial environment. Contrary to the western countries, countries in Asia like Malaysia have learned their lesson during the 1997/1998 financial crisis and thus were able to endure the current economic challenges.
