BERNAMA NEWS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009
Malaysian Embassy In France Holds National Day Reception In Lyon
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Embassy in France held a national day reception in Lyon where it had established an honorary consulate last year.
Ambassador Datuk S. Thanarajasingam said the celebration, held yesterday, was postponed due to the visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to France from Oct 4 to 7.
"It was a historic and successful visit, opening a new chapter in Malaysia-France relations while strengthening our ties with Unesco. The prime minister's visit has elevated Malaysia-France relations to a strategic partnership, bringing both countries even closer," he said in his speech, the text of which was sent to Bernama on Thursday.
Thanarajasingam said the prime minister was deeply touched by the warm hospitality extended by President Nicolas Sarkozy.
"The Malaysian prime minister and the French president have established a personal rapport which would be important in our efforts to deepen and broaden Malaysia-France relations," he added.
French leaders, including Sarkozy, would visit Malaysia next year, he said.
Thanarajasingam took the opportunity to introduce Malaysia's first honorary consul in Lyon, Regis Van Liefland.
Apart from Lyon, Malaysia also established an honorary consulate in Marseille last year.
-- BERNAMA
END