Malaysia-Ireland Relations Enhanced

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Ireland have expressed a desire to further improve and strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation, and for private sectors from both countries to collaborate in business opportunities and sharing of expertise. A statement from the Malaysian Embassy in Dublin emailed to Bernama here Wednesday, said the developments were agreed upon during a three-day visit by Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman to Ireland, which ended Wednesday. The statement said that during the visit, Anifah met Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore. "Both ministers discussed bilateral issues, as well as regional and international issues of common concern. They also expressed a desire to further improve and strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between Malaysia and Ireland. "On the Palestine issue, Gilmore stated that Ireland shares the same fundamental views as Malaysia," the statement added. According to the statement, Anifah also proposed in the meeting that private sectors from both countries collaborate in business opportunities and sharing of expertise which was fully concurred by Gilmore. The Malaysian minister also held a meeting with Ireland's Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn where they discussed bilateral cooperation in the education field and the welfare of Malaysian students studying in Ireland. Currently, an estimated 1,300 Malaysian students are studying in Ireland in various fields, particularly in medicine and accounting. Anifah also attended a gathering with Malaysian professionals residing in Ireland, whereby during the session, he briefed the audience regarding national policies being implemented by the government, as well as recent developments in Malaysia. He also answered some questions from the floor. During the visit, he also held a session with Malaysian students studying in Dublin where he outlined the government’s policies, including the latest developments and future plans. He also advised the students to return home to Malaysia upon completing their education to serve the country. The statement said, between January and November last year, Ireland was Malaysia’s 10th largest trading partner among European countries and was the 14th largest export partner with total bilateral trade of RM2.04 billion (US$672 million). -- BERNAMA