Malaysia’s National Day Reception Highlights Economic, Cultural Bonds With Thailand

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- More than 750 guests attended a reception hosted by the Malaysian Embassy here on Friday night to commemorate Malaysia’s National Day, with this year’s celebration highlighting the theme “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”.

The reception, held at a hotel in Bang Rak, brought together foreign diplomats, Malaysian professionals, business leaders and representatives of the Malaysian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (MTCC), Kelab Malaysia of Thailand (KMT) and Malaysians in Bangkok (MIB).

Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah and his wife Datin Zuhaila Abd Latif welcomed the guests.

In his welcoming remarks, Wan Zaidi described Thailand as an important economic partner for Malaysia, saying both countries were well positioned to leverage their geographical proximity and economic complementarity to create greater prosperity and competitive strength.

“Both countries share a target of achieving US$30 billion in bilateral trade by next year, with stronger cooperation needed to build resilient cross-border supply chains, enhance research and development, strengthen capacity building and accelerate industrial integration,” he said.

He said closer economic integration would not only create new opportunities for bilateral growth but also strengthen ASEAN’s position as a dynamic, integrated and competitive production and investment hub.

“We are confident that this spirit of partnership will translate into tangible, enduring and mutually rewarding outcomes for our two countries, while contributing to the broader prosperity and dynamism of our region,” he said.

Thailand’s Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised was the guest of honour at the reception, which was also attended by Deputy Education Minister Akaranun Khankittinan, Privy Councillor Mom Luang Panadda Diskul, Senate President Mongkol Surasajja and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt.

Wan Zaidi also highlighted Malaysia and Thailand’s shared role as founding members of ASEAN in 1967, saying both countries remained committed to regional cooperation, peace and prosperity.

He said the longstanding friendship between the two neighbouring countries had enabled them to stand together through achievements and challenges, while building a strategic partnership based on mutual understanding and a shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity.

“Malaysia and Thailand enjoy a natural advantage in understanding one another, built on a rich history that has only grown stronger over time,” he said.

Guests were treated to an array of Malaysian delicacies, including lontong with nasi impit, nyonya curry laksa, pasembur, mee goreng mamak, cendol, teh tarik and ais kacang.

The reception also featured cultural performances, including dikir puteri, a Chinese drum performance and Joget Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA