Kuala lumpur: Malaysian heads of mission representing the country abroad shoulder a significant responsibility in strengthening bilateral ties and upholding the nation's image on the international stage, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence in the experience and expertise of each diplomat, believing these qualities would enable them to carry out their duties effectively. In a Facebook post, he stated, "Insya-Allah, I believe their experience and expertise will help them discharge these responsibilities with excellence while opening up more opportunities for cooperation that will benefit the country. I wish them all the best in their new assignments. May their affairs be eased, they be blessed with good health and continue to uphold Malaysia's good name on the international stage."
Ahmad Zahid made these remarks following a courtesy call from 13 newly appointed Malaysian heads of mission before they departed for their postings abroad. The diplomats are set to represent Malaysia in Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, New Zealand, Laos, Oman, Ireland, Finland, Timor-Leste, Chile, Lebanon, and Uzbekistan.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who also met with the diplomats at his office in Putrajaya, expressed confidence that their experience, expertise, and commitment would help enhance Malaysia's standing internationally. In his Facebook post, Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, emphasized that the qualities possessed by each head of mission would strengthen Malaysia's friendship and cooperation with their respective host countries.
Fadillah highlighted the significance of the meeting, stating, "Today's meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on efforts to strengthen Malaysia's bilateral relations with friendly nations, expand strategic cooperation across various sectors, including those under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, and enhance Malaysia's position at the international level." He also congratulated the diplomats and expressed hope that they would succeed in carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them.