Latest news with #DiplomaticDispatch
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Singapore Envoy Lauds Malaysia's Decisive ASEAN Leadership
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 -- Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon (right), during BERNAMA TV's talk show programme The Nation titled 'Malaysia and Singapore: A Bond Beyond Borders' today. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Singapore commends Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN Chair in 2025 and credits Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his team for their swift and decisive actions during the recent armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Malaysia's mediation effort resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two neighbours. Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, said the episode demonstrated that while ASEAN's consensus-based approach is important, a major crisis requires one to act without delay and with conviction. bootstrap slideshow 'Sometimes you need to act fast. Malaysia showed leadership by making the phone calls, bringing the two leaders to Kuala Lumpur, and hosting them for talks that led to a ceasefire. 'This is what we want to see, every government prepared to step in and tackle challenges head-on,' he said on Bernama TV's The Nation, Diplomatic Dispatch programme titled 'Malaysia And Singapore: A Bond Beyond Borders.' Menon highlighted Malaysia's role in securing an agreement to admit Timor-Leste as ASEAN's newest member. He described the ability to bring parties with differing views on board as 'a good sign of leadership.' He said ASEAN continues to serve as a neutral and comfortable platform for major powers to meet, noting that the recent 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) brought together the foreign ministers of Russia, China, and the United States (US) in various formats. On regional economic matters, Menon pointed to the planned signing of the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement in Kuala Lumpur this October as a positive step, along with efforts such as the ASEAN Power Grid to ensure the seamless flow of energy across borders.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Singapore envoy lauds Malaysia's decisive Asean leadership
KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore commends Malaysia's leadership as Asean Chair in 2025 and credits Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his team for their swift and decisive actions during the recent armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Malaysia's mediation effort resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two neighbours. Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon ( pic ), said the episode demonstrated that while Asean's consensus-based approach is important, a major crisis requires one to act without delay and with conviction. "Sometimes you need to act fast. Malaysia showed leadership by making the phone calls, bringing the two leaders to Kuala Lumpur and hosting them for talks that led to a ceasefire. "This is what we want to see, every government prepared to step in and tackle challenges head-on," he said on Bernama TV's The Nation, Diplomatic Dispatch programme titled "Malaysia And Singapore: A Bond Beyond Borders." Menon highlighted Malaysia's role in securing an agreement to admit Timor-Leste as Asean's newest member. He described the ability to bring parties with differing views on board as "a good sign of leadership." He said Asean continues to serve as a neutral and comfortable platform for major powers to meet, noting that the recent 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting brought together the foreign ministers of Russia, China, and the United States in various formats. On regional economic matters, Menon pointed to the planned signing of the upgraded Asean Trade in Goods Agreement in Kuala Lumpur this October as a positive step, along with efforts such as the Asean Power Grid to ensure the seamless flow of energy across borders. Turning to bilateral ties, Menon described Malaysia-Singapore relations as being in an excellent state, supported by strong political leadership on both sides. He noted that the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone (GSEZ), which was agreed to earlier this year, is already attracting interest from businesses exploring opportunities in both Johor and Singapore. "Singapore has its own strengths, Johor has its own strengths. Companies can decide where to locate their operations based on their needs. "Even before the incentives were announced, businesses were already scouting locations," he said. Menon added that people-to-people connections remain a vital part of the relationship. He cited the Volunteer Teachers Programme initiative, which has enabled young Singaporeans to teach English in Malaysian schools, including in rural areas. "This year marks the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Over the years, the relationship has grown from strength to strength, expanding into new areas such as the digital and green economies," he added. – Bernama
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
France And Malaysia Enjoy Strong, Growing Ties -- Ambassador Cruau
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 â The French Ambassador to Malaysia, Axel Cruau, during an interview with Bernama at Wisma Bernama recently. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- France and Malaysia are enjoying a strong and growing relationship, marked by renewed momentum and deepening cooperation, said French Ambassador to Malaysia Axel Cruau. He expressed optimism that both nations will continue to build on this positive trajectory, especially with the resumption of direct Malaysia Airlines flights between the two countries in March this year. bootstrap slideshow 'I really hope for very good interactions and more visits between the leaders of both countries. France will be able to offer Malaysia more solutions to meet its needs,' Cruau said during an interview on Bernama TV's The Nation programme Diplomatic Dispatch, broadcast on Tuesday. 'France wants to be partners with Malaysia. I feel that we already are in some key areas,' he added. Speaking to Bernama after the programme, Cruau noted that before the reinstated direct flights, passengers from France had to transit via Amsterdam or Singapore to reach Malaysia, which was time-consuming. 'Now, the direct flights from France to Malaysia are always full. Beyond tourism, it helps a lot for business people,' he said, stressing the broader impact on economic and people-to-people connectivity. Looking ahead, Cruau said he hopes leaders from both countries will be able to deepen conversation between the two countries regarding 'people-to-people, army-to-army, training, procurement and equipment.' Referring to people-to-people ties between the two countries, the ambassador said next month will see a French Innovation Day held here, focusing on AI. Another upcoming event is French Gastronomy in October, which he said would also bring France closer to Malaysia.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Eswatini invites Malaysian investors, promotes trade, cultural ties
KUALA LUMPUR: Eswatini is opening its doors to Malaysian investors, offering strategic opportunities in key sectors - renewable energy, agro-processing, infrastructure, and information and communication technology (ICT) - as the African kingdom seeks to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. Eswatini's High Commissioner to Malaysia Menzie S. Dlamini said the country aims to serve as a strategic manufacturing hub for Malaysian companies seeking to access the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market and beyond. "One of our key objectives is to enhance trade relations and attract more investors," he said on Bernama TV's programme "Diplomatic Dispatch" recently. Dlamini also listed other priority sectors for investment including textiles, energy, mining, tourism, and construction, which are open to Malaysian investors. He said Eswatini would welcome Malaysian companies, particularly those manufacturing solar panels, to explore opportunities in the kingdom by using it as a launch pad to manufacture locally and then export to the SADC region and also Europe. Eswatini offers global access advantages as it also enjoys preferential trade access to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers additional incentives for export-oriented businesses, he said. "We want our people to have jobs, but we also want to welcome investors with whom we can discuss arrangements such as tax exemptions and profit repatriation. "It all depends on the scale of investment. Our mission is to create mutually beneficial partnerships and attract more investors," he said. He pointed to existing collaboration with Malaysian entities including Probase - a Malaysian company currently involved in stabilising road infrastructure in Eswatini. As a developing nation, Eswatini continues to seek strategic partnerships to accelerate infrastructure development and drive industrial growth, he said. Dlamini also extended a warm invitation to Malaysians to experience Eswatini's vibrant cultural festivals and natural landscapes, noting that Malaysian passport holders can visit the country visa-free for up to 30 days. "Kindly visit Eswatini. We're waiting for you. Come and enjoy our hospitality and our ambience," he said. He highlighted the Incwala, Marula and Umhlanga (Reed Dance) ceremonies as major cultural events that draw thousands of local and international visitors every year. "The women and men dance all night with the King, and even have the opportunity to express their views or offer advice openly. It's a very inclusive occasion," he said. Describing Eswatini as safe, welcoming and culturally rich, Dlamini added: "You won't need a visa, just your ticket, accommodation, and a love for culture." Malaysia and Eswatini established formal diplomatic relations on Sept 1, 1992. — Bernama
