4 September 2007
Embassy of Malaysia in Paris celebrates
50th anniversary of Malaysia?s independence
The 50th anniversary of Malaysia?s independence was celebrated in Paris with a reception held at the prestigious Pavillon Dauphine hall on Tuesday, 4 September 2007. The reception, hosted by H.E. Dato? S. Thanarajasingam, Ambassador of Malaysia to France and his spouse, Datin Dr. Saradha Iyer, was also held to mark the 50th year of the establishment of Malaysia-France relations.
2. The National Day reception was attended by more than 450 guests including senior officials from French ministries and government agencies, foreign Ambassadors, French and foreign military officers, French captains of industry, the French media, education and cultural institutions as well as the Malaysian community in Paris. The Secretary-General of Quai d?Orsay (French Ministry of Foreign & European Affairs), Mr. Philippe Faure, represented the French government at the event.
3. The Malaysian Ambassador, H.E. Dato? S. Thanarajasingam, in his speech, said France was one of the first 16 countries which immediately established diplomatic ties following Malaysia?s independence. ?It is a golden year for Malaysia and a golden year for Malaysia-France relations?, he added.
4. His Excellency said that as Malaysia celebrates its 50 years, the country remains resolute in facing the future with confidence, humility and integrity, determined to deepen and strengthen our unity and prosperity at home while contributing towards regional and international peace, security and development. ?Malaysia and France relations are close and friendly, and both Putrajaya and Paris are committed to enhance and broaden these relations in all aspects of our golden relationship,? he further added.
5. In his remarks, Mr. Philippe Faure, the Secretary General of Quai d?Orsay extended his warm congratulations on the 50th anniversary of Malaysia?s independence on behalf of the French government.
6. The foreign guests had a great time sampling exquisite Malaysian delicacies such as satay, roti canai and kwai teow goreng, for which cooking demonstration were shown by the Perwakilan ladies as well as chefs from Malaysia. Other traditional Malaysian cakes and French hors d?oeuvres were also served to the guests.
7. Entertainment for the evening was provided by the ?Ethnic Jazz Group? from Malaysia. The Jazz Group performed a mélange of traditional ?gendang? (percussion) and ?gambus? (stringed instrument) together with classical jazz instruments.
8. Tourism Malaysia had flown in the Malaysian musicians and chefs for the reception as well as to promote Malaysian food and music at a week-long event at the Paris Le Meridien hotel.
9. The National Day reception is part of the events designed to celebrate the 50 years Merdeka celebrations in Paris. Earlier, the officials of the Embassy and Malaysian government agencies in Paris gathered at the Embassy for a flag raising ceremony on Friday, 31st August. Accompanied by H.E. Ambassador Dato? S. Thanarajasingam, the officials sang the ?Negaraku? and the ?Jalur Gemilang?.
10. Parisians will also be looking forward to a Malaysian cultural and batik evening featuring recitals by two accomplished Malaysian pianists, Mr. Muzaffar Abdullah and Mrs. Sia Poh Eng on 20 November 2007 at the 16th district City Hall. The event, which will be co-hosted by the Malaysian Ambassador and the Mayor of the 16th district will also showcase a batik fashion show by Paris-based fashion designer Mr. Ng Swee Kuang.
Embassy of Malaysia, Paris
4 September 2007
