M'sia-Venezuela Relations Remarkable, Says Malaysian Higher Education Deputy Minister

By Cecilia Jeyanthi Victor and Azzah Mohamad Som KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Simply remarkable. This is how Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr Mary Yap Kain Ching described the Malaysia-Venezuela bilateral relations which marked its third decade Thursday. More so, she said, as both countries were elected non-permanent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Members last year. "This (election as non-permanent UNSC members) was a significant accomplishment for both countries as they shared similar values to uphold and achieve international peace and security," she added. Yap said this in her keynote address when officiating the 11th Venezuelan Week held at the Malaysian Institute of Translation & Book (ITBM) here. "Malaysia and Venezuela have enjoyed long standing relations since establishing bilateral ties in 1986, as two oil-producing, developing countries as their bilateral relations were initially confined to multi-factual institutions. "However, our friendship has been strengthened over the years through the establishment of multi-lateral cooperation." Meanwhile, the 11th Venezuelan Week also celebrated the launch of 'Malaysia-Venezuela, an Anthology of Short Stories' involving Malaysian and Venezuelan writers, which have been translated into Malay, Spanish and English. A 1929 book titled, 'Dona Barbara' by renowned Venezuelan author Ramulo Gallegos has also been translated into Malay, depicting the struggles faced by the Venezuelan people. It has become a classic masterpiece fiction. Both countries are also proud to celebrate another book, 'Malaysia, mi amiga; Malaysia kawan saya'. Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the event, Yap told Bernama that she hoped more countries would work on similar collaborations via literary works, instead of merely focusing on political and economic relations. "We like to leave a legacy for the younger generation to learn about the literary works of both countries, and hope other countries will follow suit. "This shows both countries enjoy bilateral relations in not just the political and economic sphere but also in education," she said, adding it was an opportunity for students from both countries to learn each other's cultures. Venezuelan Ambassador to Malaysia, Manuel Guzman said the publication of the books was a big step towards efforts to strengthen relations between Malaysia and Venezuela. "For the Venezuelan Government, the relationship with Malaysia is of great importance, and the celebration of the Venezuelan Week is a representation of this," he said while presenting his keynote speech, adding the Venezuelan Week would be held on an annual basis. Also present were ITBM's Translation and Training Department head, Siti Rafiah Sulaiman, members of the Latin American community in Malaysia, Malaysian Foreign Ministry representatives and diplomatic corps members and writers. -- BERNAMA