Malaysia committed to enhance ties with Holy See, says FM

PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia is committed to enhance ties with the Holy See, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

He said this while officiating the Chancery of the Malaysian Embassy to the Holy See on 9 May 2017.

“Malaysia strongly believes on the need to practise moderation as the fundamental element to foster greater interaction, ensuring peaceful coexistence through the rejection of extremism that undermines the universal values of religion,” the minister said.

This, he added, is in line with Malaysia’s initiative of the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM).

Malaysia, the minister continued, also welcomes collaboration with the various pontifical councils, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations in hosting dialogues and seminars aimed at promoting better religious understanding in the near future.

The inauguration of the Chancery of Malaysian Embassy to the Holy See took place exactly 11 months to the day the first resident ambassador, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, presented his credentials to Pope Francis.

Among the 100 attendees were the Assessor for General Affairs of the Holy See, the Protocol Head of the Holy See, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps to the Holy See, and members of the diplomatic corps.