MALAYSIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARGENTINA HIGHLIGHTS GROWING TIES AT NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Ambassador to Argentina, Nur Azman Abdul Rahim,  affirmed the country’s steadfast commitment to enhance collaboration with Argentina across various fields. 

Speaking at a reception to celebrate the 67th National Day, 61st Malaysia Day, and to commemorate the 57th anniversary of establishment of Malaysia-Argentina diplomatic relations in Buenos Aires recently, the ambassador emphasised the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations, which continue to grow stronger, building on mutual respect and shared values. 

A statement from the Embassy sent here said that Nur Azman has highlighted Malaysia’s economic engagements in Argentina through PETRONAS, IJM Corporation, and Seri Inderajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd, positioning Malaysia as one of the largest investors in the country.

These investments total more than US$15 billion, while total trade between Malaysia and Argentina in 2023 amounted to US$1.6 billion.

He also underscored potential collaborations between the two nations, particularly in halal cooperation and drone services. 

Furthermore, he highlighted the upcoming entry of Malaysian drone services company Aerodyne into the Argentinian market.

Nur Azman also encouraged Argentina to become an ASEAN Development Partner.

He emphasised that this would be the next logical step for Argentina to deepen its relations with ASEAN, especially since the Latin American nation has already signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in 2018, according to the statement.

Malaysia is set to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

Meanwhile, Argentinian Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Leopoldo Sahores, who was the guest of honour at the event, emphasised the growing bilateral relationship and Argentina’s high value on its ties with Malaysia in policy, culture, and economics.

He expressed optimism for increased cross-investments between Malaysian and Argentine companies, and acknowledged Malaysia's involvement in Argentina's meat and dairy industries, the statement read. 

The vice minister also stressed Argentina's commitment to engaging with ASEAN and its members, highlighting the importance of the TAC, which encompasses principles such as respect for sovereignty, non-intervention, international equality, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The celebration, themed, “Malaysia-Argentina: The Ties That Bind”, was attended by about 200 guests representing a diverse group of individuals and organisations, as well as Malaysian diaspora in Argentina. 

-- BERNAMA