REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF MALAYSIA AT THE FRENCH SENATE

Your Excellency,

First of all I would like to thank you for the kind words and feelings expressed. Personally, I am extremely delighted to be here in the historic city of Paris and especially today, to be here among esteemed colleagues. On behalf of my delegation, I would like to thank you, Your Excellency, for the kind reception.

Malaysia, a 26-million country of various ethnic groups, is happy with the state of the bilateral relations between our two countries. Your visit to Malaysia last March, the first high level visit from France to Malaysia in 2007, provided the boost needed in stimulating the bilateral relations.

Malaysia has always believed in establishing and maintaining closer people-to-people contact at various levels and I hope, we at the parliamentary level would continue to engage with one another and maximize our available resources for the benefit of our people and country. At the regional and international level, I too trust that both our countries can contribute to regional and international peace, security and development through the U.N. and other multilateral organizations upholding international law and justice. While France has always been a source of ideas, Malaysia wishes to be a bridge between the Islamic world and the West. Malaysia, as a multiethnic society, understands the concept of pluralism.

This year is indeed a special and historic year. Malaysia and France celebrate 50^th year of the establishment of their diplomatic relations and the attendance by H.E. Minister Brice Hortefeux at Malaysia's 50^th anniversary celebrations in Kuala Lumpur last August further testifies to the strengthening of the bilateral relations. My presence here is also a commitment toward the development of the relations with France and the French people. We hope to have more French visitors in Malaysia, both leaders and people.

Just two weeks ago, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia was in France to launch Malaysia's very first submarine in Cherbourg. Defense cooperation is an important pillar of bilateral relations but to advance, we need to expand the field of cooperation between our two countries in other areas such as trade, education, environment and inter-civilizational dialogue. I am confident that with the new leadership in France and the meeting of minds for example, during visits would help generate interest as well as facilitate efforts to further deepen and strengthen the bilateral relations.

Your Excellency,

I wish to extend to you my best wishes for your continued good health, prosperity and your continued effort toward the strengthening of the relations between Malaysia and France.

Thank you.