>>> You are here : SPEECH BY HE DATO THANARAJASINGAM AT NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION IN LYON

SPEECH BY H.E. DATO’S. THANARAJASINGAM,AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO FRANCE AT MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION IN LYON, 14 OCTOBER 2009

 Mr. Regis Van Liefland
Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Lyon.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to thank you all for being present here today to join me in celebrating Malaysia’s National Day which fell on 31 August, 2009 as well as to formally introduce Malaysia’s first Honorary Consul in Lyon, Mr. Regis Van Liefland.

The reception was scheduled earlier but had to be postponed today given the official visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to France.

Last week, the Honourable Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia made an official visit to France from Oct. 4 – 7.  This was his first visit to Europe and Americas since he became the Prime Minister last April, demonstrating the importance that Malaysia attaches to its relations with France.

During his visit, he met with President Sarkozy, Prime Minister Fillon, Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, Mr. Bernard Accoyer, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Le Guen, Chairman of Malaysia-France Friendship Group in the National Assembly, Captains of French Industry, the Secretary-General of OECD and some French journalists. 

He also met Malaysian students, hosted 1Malaysia Hari Raya Open House in Paris, travelled to Cannes for the MSC Malaysia “Creating Content for the World” official event, delivered a keynote address at UNESCO as well as hosted a reception at UNESCO.  Indeed he had an extremely hectic schedule during his four-day stay in France.

It was a historic and successful visit, opening a new chapter in Malaysia-France relations, while strengthening our ties with UNESCO.  The Prime Minister’s visit has elevated Malaysia-France relations to a strategic partnership, bringing both countries even closer.

The Prime Minister was deeply touched by the warmth of the hospitality extended to him by the French leaders, particularly President Sarkozy.  The Malaysian Prime Minister and the French President have established a personal rapport which would be important in our efforts to deepen and broaden Malaysia-France relations.

As a result of the discussions between the Malaysian Prime Minister and the French leadership, you will witness enhanced collaboration in various fields including trade, tourism, education, nuclear technology, defence procurement and air links.  There will be important visits by French leaders including President Sarkozy to Malaysia in 2010.  Malaysia-France relations will scale and indeed soar to new heights.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tonight’s reception is an ideal occasion to further promote what our leaders have agreed, namely to promote Malaysia-France relations.

One way is to reach out to our peoples in different parts of the country.  In this regard, Malaysia had established two Honorary Consulates in France last year, one in Marseille and the other, in this beautiful city of Lyon. Given Lyon’s standing as a major centre for business as well as the French capital of gastronomy, Malaysia has made the right choice to place a representative to assist Malaysia in expanding its network and visibility in Lyon and surrounding areas. In this regard, I am pleased to introduce to you, Malaysia’s Honorary Consul in Lyon, Mr. Regis Van Liefland.

Mr. Van Liefland will help me establish close working relations with the relevant bodies in Lyon.  In this connection, I hope that the local authorities, relevant agencies and those of you present here tonight, would extend your kind assistance to Mr. Van Liefland to achieve more meaningful and substantive relations between our two countries as well as between Lyon and Malaysia.  In anticipation of their and your assistance and support, let me thank all of you.

Thank you for coming.
Bonne Soir.