As we know, Europe and Malaysia may be separated by thousands of kilometres, but geographically has never been a barrier to any kind of cooperation. The European Union and its Member States have long been important partners in Malaysia's development journey. Throughout the years we have built meaningful partnerships founded upon trade, education, culture, innovation, sustainability, and the shared aspiration for peace and prosperity.
Today the world is navigating an era of unprecedented uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, technological disruptions, climate change, and evolving security challenges remind us that no nation, regardless of its size or strength, can address these issues alone. Our future depends intrinsically on our ability to cooperate rather than compete, to build bridges rather than walls, and to seek common ground despite our differences.
It is often said that diplomacy is the art of finding common interests while respecting different perspectives. I believe that this principle has never been more relevant than it is today. Malaysia has always believed in constructive engagement with the international community.
As a nation built upon diversity, we understand the importance of dialogue, moderation, tolerance, and mutual understanding. These values have shaped our society and continue to guide our engagement with friends around the world. Beyond trade and investment, our collaboration spans higher education, scientific research, renewable energy, digital transformation, environmental conservation, and people-to-people exchanges.
These partnerships have enriched both our societies. I also believe that there remains tremendous potential for us to deepen our cooperation. Likewise, sustainability is no longer merely an environmental issue.
It has become an economic and strategic imperative. Above all, diplomacy is ultimately about trust. Trust cannot be built overnight.
It grows through consistent engagement, sincere listening, and the willingness to understand one another, even when we have a different view. I hope that our discussion today will be open,constructive, and forward-looking. Let us continue to identify new areas where we can work together, whether in economic cooperation, sustainable development, education, innovation, healthcare, tourism, food security, or regional stability.
The challenges before us are complex, but they are not impossible when nations choose cooperation over confrontation. Your Excellencies, the Government and the people of Tengganu are privileged to host you today, and we believe that our discussion will reflect the respect that we have for each other and the optimistic future we intend to build together. And my final point before we proceed further to the next agenda, and before I introduce Tengganu State Officer here today, let me say something far more pressing and tough.
Because you asked a very tough question to me, I pose back very tough matters for you. Even though it's not going to be easy for me to say it, so I just say it. I feel very sorry with the Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia, Netherlands, Sweden, and particularly Germany, for losing at the group stage in Round 32. And congratulations to Spain and Belgium for advancing to Round 16, and France to the quarterfinals.
So I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our delegation from the State of Tengganu. So, on my left, we have Honorable Datuk Haji Muhammad Azmi Ibn Muhammad Hamd, Tengganu State Secretary. We have the Honorable Muhammad Nawawi Ibn Ismail, our Tengganu State Legal Advisor. Next, we have the Honorable Datuk Tun Ahmad Faisal Ibn Tun Abdul Razak, Tengganu State Finance Officer. We have the Honorable Shamuddin Bin Abdul Karim, the Chairman of the Youth Development, Sports, and NGO Committee of Tengganu. We have the Honorable Maliam Al-Kassim, our State Executive Counselor. We have the Honorable Datuk Abdul Rashid Bin Yusuf, Director, Tengganu Land and Mines Office. We have Datuk Rosli Bin Latif, Tengganu State Secretary under Development, which is also Director of Economic Planning Unit. We have the Honorable Datuk Buharudin Hilmi Bin Harun, the President and Group CEO of Tengganu Incorporated. And we have Datuk Jusman, the Tengganu State Deputy State Secretary Management. We have Li Zan, the Mayor of Tengganu City Council, and the rest of the people also from our State Officers and our Government State Enterprises.
With that, I pass to Sir Farhan for your notes.
0 Comments