MALAYSIA REMAINS AFRICA'S LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION PARTNER

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has remained Africa’s long-term development cooperation partner over the years, and the collaboration between the two parties holds immense promise across various sectors, said Dean of the African Heads of Mission in Malaysia Abukar Abdi Osman. 

Abukar, who is also the Ambassador of Somalia to Malaysia, said Malaysia’s agenda for Africa has been rooted in shared prosperity and inclusive development. 

“As we commemorate Africa, Malaysia should reaffirm the commitment to deepening economic ties, enhancing technical cooperation and promoting people-to-people exchanges with African nations,” he said in his speech for the 61st Africa Day here on Wednesday. 

According to the diplomat, Malaysia and Africa can leverage their strengths through strategic partnerships and joint initiatives to unlock new opportunities and overcome common challenges. 

In education, he said Malaysia’s renowned universities and educational institutions offer opportunities for African students to access quality education and technical skills that are vital for African continents’ development. 

“By fostering educational exchanges and partnerships, we can empower the next generation of African leaders and innovators,” he added. 

Abukar noted that infrastructure development stands as another critical area where the Malaysia-Africa partnership can flourish.

Malaysia’s expertise in infrastructure projects, from transportation to urban planning, aligns with Africa’s infrastructure needs for sustainable growth and connectivity. 

“Together, we (Africa and Malaysia) can build resilient and efficient infrastructures that support economic development and improve the livelihoods of our people,” he said. 

He said Africa’s vast agricultural potential, combined with Malaysia’s advanced agricultural technologies and expertise in palm oil production, can drive agricultural transformation across the African continent. 

Agriculture and agribusiness present a significant opportunity for collaboration.

“By promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing agricultural productivity, we (Malaysia and Africa) can address food security challenges and create opportunities for rural development,” said Abukar. 

Meanwhile, High Commissioner of South Africa to Malaysia David E. Malcomson in his speech said Africa can work with Malaysia to address some of Malaysia’s food security needs and priorities by providing quality, affordable food items. 

“However, we (Africa) do require support to speed up the process of providing Halal certification of our proven beef, lamb and mutton abattoirs,” he added. 

According to Malcomson, Malaysia and Africa need to revive the strategic focus that both parties once had on each other.

There was a time when Malaysia and Africa cooperated closely at the highest levels in the United Nations (UN) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), among other organisations, to promote the concerns and needs of the developing world jointly, he said. 

Africa Day is an annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity formed on May 25, 1963. It was later transformed into the African Union on July 9, 2002. 

This occasion is dedicated to celebrating Africa’s achievements and opportunities, while reflecting on the challenges and solutions to pertinent issues, including the attainment of peace, security and development of the continent. 

Themed  “Promoting Africa-Malaysia Trade and Investment Opportunities” the Africa Day celebration today involved 19 African missions in Malaysia, namely Algeria, Egypt, Eswatini, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria,  Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

Also present was Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, representing the Malaysian government.

-- BERNAMA