REMARKS DURING NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION ON 20 SEPTEMBER 2011
Good Evening Your Excellencies,
Officials from the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,
Head of Diplomatic Missions and members of the diplomatic community,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My wife, Jagdeep Kaur and I, wish to take this opportunity to welcome all our guests to the 54th Anniversary of Independence Day celebrated on August 31.
Another significant event is Malaysia Day which falls on 16 September, and it signifies the formation of Malaysia which includes Sabah and Sarawak as part of East Malaysia.
As a young nation, Malaysia has come a long way in its development process. It has achieved in developing a vibrant economy and Malaysia with its multi-racial population remains a stable and successful country. The phrase ´Malaysia Truly Asia´ which we hear in the media, actually reflects the diversity that you can find in the country. With such diversity and the wide range of different food available, we hope it could entice you to visit Malaysia.
This year´s theme for Independence Day as you can see on the backdrop, is part of the political and economic transformation process currently taking place in Malaysia. The motto 1Malaysia reminds the population that everyone is responsible and that no one should be left behind in securing a future in the country.
Malaysia and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela enjoy warm and friendly relations despite the geographical distance between the two countries. There have been a number of bilateral visits at the highest level. The year 2011 will signify 25 years since diplomatic relations were established in December 1986. Closer bilateral engagement between the two countries evolved following their participation in the G-15.
Bilateral cooperation now includes trade and investment, oil and gas industry, oil palm plantations and technical cooperation. Both countries have worked closely under the framework of South-South cooperation and believe in regional integration as a step towards global peace and development. Malaysia remains committed to the enhancement of mutually beneficial cooperation with Venezuela in various fields including developing closer people to people relations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We will now proceed to play the national anthems of both countries and please enjoy some Malaysian food which was prepared for this occasion.
Thank you and enjoy the rest of the evening.
His Excellency Mahinder Singh
Ambassador of Malaysia to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
20 September 2011