African Countries Eager To Learn From Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- African countries are eager to learn from Malaysia on its ability to achieve unity and progress simultaneously, despite its multicultural and multi-ethnic society. High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to Malaysia, Benjamin Clement Eghan, while expressing admiration for Malaysia, said "it was a good pointer for African countries and the light for us to stay united for the good of Africa". "If we see Malaysia 25 years ago and compare it today, it was a shock as so much progress and development have been made while strongly staying united," he told Bernama after the 52nd Africa Day celebration here, Friday night. He also praised Malaysia as the Chair for this year's ASEAN, for its choice of theme, 'Our People, Our Community, Our Vision', "which reflected the strong diversity of the Malaysian people". Also present at the celebration were Deputy Foreign Minister Hamzah Zainuddin and United Nations resident coordinator for Malaysia Michelle Gyles-McDonnough. Meanwhile, African Diplomatic Corps dean, Gebhard Benjamin Kandaga said in a statement that African leaders had prepared a 50-year 'people-centered and people-oriented' roadmap for Africa. "This is not a wish list but a carefully thought out plan with identified drivers and an implementation strategy. "The roadmap or 'Agenda 2063' is about the Africa we want for the future," he said. -- BERNAMA