Idfr Launches Books on Diplomats' Experience In Handling Covid Pandemic, Economic Diplomacy

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) today announced the publication of two books titled "Economic Diplomacy for Developing Asia" and "Diplomacy Through the Pandemic."

‘Diplomacy Through the Pandemic’ edited by IDFR director-general Datuk Dr Shazelina Zainul Abidin, is a collection of 12 accounts of the experiences of 15 Malaysian diplomats around the world in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The book was modelled after the 2006 best-seller, Number One, Wisma Putra.

“I wrote to our missions overseas in Oct 2021, encouraging them to write about their experience in handling the crisis. The first story, from the United States, came in, in Dec 2021. 

“Altogether we received 14 contributions and we decided to publish 12,” she said.

Shazelina said one of the most interesting stories was from Malaysia’s Ambassador to Iran Datuk Rustam Yahaya, where he chronicled about the challenges in the evacuation process amid the sanctions faced by the host country.

“Their sharings are invaluable and I hoped this book can become a good reference to our diplomats and readers in the events of dealing with any emergencies in the future,” she said. 

Meanwhile, ‘Economic Diplomacy for Developing Asia’ written by Professor Sufian Jusoh provides a blueprint for practitioners to advance their interests through the economic platform.

The books were launched by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin.

-- BERNAMA