55th National Day Reception in Wellington, New Zealand
WELLINGTON – Her Excellency Rosmidah binti Zahid, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to New Zealand hosted the 55th National Day Reception at “Rumah Malaysia” in Wellington, New Zealand on 10th September 2012. The modest reception attended by more than 200 well-wishers led by Hon. Murray McCully - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Sports & Recreation, New Zealand representing the Government of New Zealand, Hon. Gerry Brownlee – Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister, Transport Minister and Leader of the House; other Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, local community/business dignitaries, Malaysian community and student representatives.
H.E. Rosmidah in her speech highlighted the unique close friendship between Malaysia and New Zealand based on long-standing people-to-people relations especially in the education and defence cooperation. Whilst economic and trade cooperation has also increased by leaps and bounds following the signing of FTA in 2009.
Foreign Minister McCully in his speech also recognized the strong education and defence ties like the Five-Power Defence Arrangement and our joint involvement in Afghanistan in which Malaysian medical contingent in Bamyam province has been acknowledged. ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA, Malaysian-New Zealand FTA and MoU in Science and Technology were noted and Malaysian offer for two Hercules aircraft for search and rescue assistance and contributions of funds during the Christchurch earthquake were very much appreciated. The recent visit by SPB YDP Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin to Christchurch and Antartica in November 2011 and other high level visits were also mentioned and welcomed to further strengthen our links.
At the reception, guests were feted with various Malaysian popular cuisine like Satay, Roti Canai, Curry Laksa, Roti Jala and many other desserts and drinks as well as being entertained by cultural performances by Malaysian students in New Zealand and also a poetry recitation by Malaysia's National Literature Laureate, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Haji Salleh.
