Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia

On the evening of 7 September 2012, the Embassy of Malaysia in Italy hosted a reception in conjunction with the 55^th Merdeka Day Anniversary. The event was held at Winter Garden Banquet Hall of The Westin Excelsior, Rome. More than 300 people attended the reception including politicians, Italian government officials, diplomats, corporate and business people and media representatives. The Guests of Honour from the Italian side were Dott. Claudio D’Alessio, Mayor of Pompeii and Minister Plenipotentiary Massimo Roscigno, Deputy Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy.

This year's celebration was special as it was also graced by special guests from Malaysia. The presence of His Excellency Tun Datuk Seri Utama Mohammad Khalil bin Yaakob, Governor of Melaka and The Honourable Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, Chief Minister of Melaka and their respective spouse had indeed made the occasion more significant. The Governor, in conjunction with the 55^th Merdeka Day Celebration, launched the Malaysia, Festival of Cultures and Flavours that takes place at the Doney Restaurant at the Westin Excelsior, Rome from 8 to 13 September 2012. The guests were treated to a performance by the Melaka Cultural Brigade which added colours and sounds to the atmosphere of the occasion. Highlights of the cultural performance consist of the various Malaysian traditional dances depicting the sprit of 1Malaysia.

Ambassador Datin Paduka Halimah Abdullah delivered a welcoming speech in which she praised the friendly and substantive relations between Malaysia and Italy. This was followed by remarks by a representative of the Italian government, Minister Plenipotentiary Massimo Roscigno, Deputy Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy and by The Honourable Datuk Seri Mohd. Ali Mohd. Rustam, Chief Minister of Melaka.

At the reception guests were offered a wide spectrum of Malaysian foods prepared by Chefs Zaini Jaid and Ghafur Abu Bakar together with Westin Excelsior Executive Chef James Foglieni boasting the rich culture and tradition of Malaysia in vibrant and masterful presentations which include succulent chicken and beef satay, ayam goreng chetti, roti jala, rojak kampung as well as an array of traditional kuihs.

The highlight of the evening was the lucky draw. Prizes of one full holiday package to Malaysia courtesy of Tourism Malaysia including flight ticket and accommodation and an accommodation package in Melaka courtesy of the Office of the Chief Minister of Melaka were up for grabs.

There was also an art exhibition displaying conceptual works by Peter H.H. Lim; a renowned Malaysian artist based in Rome, still life paintings of Malaysian artefacts by Italian artist Luca Idili and Batik paintings by Rasli Tumin, which further added a festive mood to the evening.