ID :
39659
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 23:48
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/39659
The shortlink copeid
M`SIAN PM PROPOSES COUNCIL FOR FOREIGN RELATIONS
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has
proposed the creation of a forum or a council for foreign relations and
diplomacy that is independent and dedicated to increasing Malaysia's
understanding of the world.
He said many other countries had such a council and it was time for Malaysia
too to have one to provide support and assistance on the conduct of its
international relations and diplomacy.
It should be dedicated to increasing Malaysia's understanding of the world
through objective debate, discussion and research and could contribute
positively to the country's foreign policy and diplomacy, he said in his speech
at the opening of the new campus of the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign
Relations (IDFR), here Thursday.
Abdullah said the new body could stimulate innovative thinking on foreign
policy issues and approaches, thereby making a meaningful contribution to the
country's efforts to strive for a more just international order, for peace and
prosperity of the world and country.
"I believe such a council, whose membership can be drawn from prominent
Malaysians from diverse backgrounds such as politics, business, diplomacy and
the civil service, academia, research institutions, journalism and civil society
can provide a healthy cross-fertilisation of ideas, a deep and objective
understanding of foreign affairs and create a common ground for national
consensus on policies," he said.
The Prime Minister said distinguished members of the council could be
co-opted, whenever necessary, to serve as special envoys or emissaries for
specific purposes or missions.
Abdullah said learning from the experiences of other countries, both
developed and developing, that had similar councils, "I can see a lot of merits
in the formation of such a forum in Malaysia".
"I trust it (the council) could be constituted in the near future for the
sake of promoting the country's political, strategic and economic interests more
effectively," he said.
Replying to a question on the matter, Abdullah said the government could
provide some funding at the initial stage of the establishment of the said
council.
-- BERNAMA
proposed the creation of a forum or a council for foreign relations and
diplomacy that is independent and dedicated to increasing Malaysia's
understanding of the world.
He said many other countries had such a council and it was time for Malaysia
too to have one to provide support and assistance on the conduct of its
international relations and diplomacy.
It should be dedicated to increasing Malaysia's understanding of the world
through objective debate, discussion and research and could contribute
positively to the country's foreign policy and diplomacy, he said in his speech
at the opening of the new campus of the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign
Relations (IDFR), here Thursday.
Abdullah said the new body could stimulate innovative thinking on foreign
policy issues and approaches, thereby making a meaningful contribution to the
country's efforts to strive for a more just international order, for peace and
prosperity of the world and country.
"I believe such a council, whose membership can be drawn from prominent
Malaysians from diverse backgrounds such as politics, business, diplomacy and
the civil service, academia, research institutions, journalism and civil society
can provide a healthy cross-fertilisation of ideas, a deep and objective
understanding of foreign affairs and create a common ground for national
consensus on policies," he said.
The Prime Minister said distinguished members of the council could be
co-opted, whenever necessary, to serve as special envoys or emissaries for
specific purposes or missions.
Abdullah said learning from the experiences of other countries, both
developed and developing, that had similar councils, "I can see a lot of merits
in the formation of such a forum in Malaysia".
"I trust it (the council) could be constituted in the near future for the
sake of promoting the country's political, strategic and economic interests more
effectively," he said.
Replying to a question on the matter, Abdullah said the government could
provide some funding at the initial stage of the establishment of the said
council.
-- BERNAMA
