In his New Year message, Malaysian Ambassador to Argentina, Nur Azman Rahim, announced optimistic prospects for Malaysia-Argentina relations as Malaysia chairs ASEAN. He emphasized recent milestones in diplomacy, economic investments exceeding US$15 billion, and collaborative efforts in halal standards, signaling a bright future for bilateral ties.
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 Jan (Bernama) – As Malaysia embarks on its ASEAN Chairmanship, Malaysian Ambassador to Argentina, Nur Azman Rahim, expressed optimism regarding the trajectory of Malaysia-Argentina relations, emphasizing an impending elevation in bilateral cooperation. In a New Year message articulated in Spanish, he urged continued collaboration toward a shared vision embodied in the motto, “Malaysia-Argentina: The Ties That Bind (Malasia-Argentina: Los Lazos Que Nos Unen).”
Reflecting on the past year, Ambassador Nur Azman noted significant advancements in political, economic, and cultural partnerships between the two countries. He highlighted the upcoming year, 2024, as a pivotal moment that has the potential to further fortify these ties. A landmark event was the visit by Argentina’s former Foreign Minister, Diana Mondino, to Malaysia in March, marking the first high-level diplomatic visit in five years, thereby initiating the formation of the Malaysia-Argentina Friendship Group, symbolizing strengthened mutual cooperation.
On the economic front, Malaysia renewed its commitment to Argentina’s energy sector, celebrating the decade-long presence of Petronas in Argentina. In addition, Nur Azman announced the impending arrival of Aerodyne, a Malaysian company poised to introduce innovative drone technology to the Argentine market. He affirmed the importance of halal cooperation, pointing to the remarkable participation of 125 Argentine firms in the Halal Seminar held in Buenos Aires, as well as the involvement of an Argentine company at the Global Halal Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
The establishment of the Malaysia chapter of the MERCOSUR-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (MACC) further underlines the robust interest among businesses on both sides to seek collaborative opportunities. Ambassador Nur Azman stressed that Malaysia’s investments, collectively exceeding US$15 billion through entities such as PETRONAS and IJM Corporation, position Malaysia among the foremost investors in Argentina. Moreover, the total trade volume between the two countries reached US$1.6 billion in 2023. The full message from Ambassador Nur Azman, delivered in Spanish, is available for viewing online.
The ties between Malaysia and Argentina have strengthened over the years, with notable progress in various sectors like political diplomacy, economic investment, and socio-cultural exchanges. The active participation of both countries in seminars and trade events signals a mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. The establishment of the MERCOSUR-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce reflects a growing interest in economic collaborations, particularly amidst Malaysia’s strategic investments in Argentina.
In summary, Ambassador Nur Azman Rahim’s New Year message signifies a momentous phase for Malaysia-Argentina relations, characterized by historical milestones and future aspirations. The collaborative efforts highlighted, ranging from high-level diplomatic visits to business engagement and halal cooperation, indicate a promising horizon for bilateral ties as both nations work together towards shared goals.
Original Source: www.bernama.com
