Slovenia opens consulate in KL
KUALA LUMPUR - Slovenia inaugurated its consulate in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, marking its first-ever diplomatic representation in the country after 31 years of establishing diplomatic relations with Malaysia.
Its Ambassador to Malaysia Marko Ham said the establishment of the consulate represents an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
Before this, Slovenia had been building cooperation with Malaysia from its Embassy in Canberra, Australia, which also oversees Malaysia.
"There are not many Slovenes who are currently living and working here’ however, I feel sure that the two-way trade, economic, commercial and investment relationship has much potential, and with our presence here, will gradually grow,” he said at the ceremony.
Ham presented his credential to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara this morning.
The ambassador noted that the two-way trade between Slovenia and Malaysia is currently worth about US$50 million, but given the potential, there are certainly opportunities for Slovene businesses to work and invest here and vice versa.
He said both countries have also been working together within the United Nations (UN) on a number of multilateral issues designed to resolve conflicts, improve human rights and promote sustainable development.
"Slovenia is looking forward to working with Malaysia during the Slovene non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2024/2025,” he said.
Ham pointed out that Slovenia and Malaysia shared a common vision of an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, where sovereignty and widely-agreed international rules and norms are respected.
He expressed the country’s intention to work closely with Asean member states, in line with the European Union (EU) Strategy for Indo-Pacific, highlighting the importance of Asian maritime routes for its exports.
He also welcomed more Malaysians to visit Slovenia, noting that both countries offer magnificent tourist experiences with distinct climates, cultures, and gastronomy that complement each other beautifully.
"Last year, we marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations; therefore, I see the consulate here in Kuala Lumpur as the beginning of a new era, an impetus in cooperation between this beautiful country and Slovenia,” he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Chan Foong Hin and Slovenia’s Honorary Consul in Malaysia, Datuk Seri Chan Kong Yew.
Other guests include European Union (EU) Ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas, DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, Seputeh Member of Parliament (MP) Teresa Kok, former MP Ong Kian Ming, foreign envoys, and leaders of the chambers of commerce in Malaysia. - BERNAMA
