Malaysia Celebrates National Day and Strengthened Ties in Hungary for 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship
An Official Diplomatic Reception celebrating the 67th National Day, 61st Malaysia Day, and 55th Anniversary of Malaysia-Hungary Diplomatic Relations was recently held at the Budapest Marriott Hotel. The event, which also aimed to promote Malaysia’s upcoming 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, saw about 200 officials and guests in attendance, including representatives from Hungarian government agencies, ambassadors, NGOs, and business people.
The Ambassador of Malaysia to Hungary, Francisco Munis, highlighted Malaysia’s progress as a nation, the strong friendship between Malaysia and Hungary, and Malaysia’s readiness to chair ASEAN in 2025. He emphasized Malaysia’s national unity and the harmonious people of Malaysia as key factors in the nation’s development.
Malaysia’s foreign policy, based on peace, humanity, justice, and equality, has allowed the country to play a positive role in international relations. The Ambassador noted the warm and cordial relations between Malaysia and Hungary, built on mutual respect and shared values over the past 55 years.
Both countries have collaborated in various areas of mutual interest, signing strategic bilateral agreements in trade, education, agriculture, and more. Recent years have seen increased engagement and awareness of the potential for collaboration in areas like tourism, culture, and renewable energy.
With the 55th Year of Diplomatic Relations marked in 2024, both Malaysia and Hungary are committed to further enhancing their ties, especially in trade and investment. The recent establishment of the Joint Intergovernmental Committee for Economic and Industrial Cooperation between the two countries is expected to boost economic exchanges.
On the topic of Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the Ambassador reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to fostering a united ASEAN and promoting ASEAN Centrality. He also welcomed Hungary’s intention to join the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, highlighting the importance of ASEAN-EU relations.
A Hungarian government official, Deputy State Secretary Adam Stifter, praised the strong bilateral cooperation between Hungary and Malaysia, emphasizing the countries’ shared commitment to international order and mutual cooperation. He highlighted the growing economic ties between the two nations, with bilateral trade exceeding 828 million US dollars last year.
Education and skills development are key areas of cooperation between Hungary and Malaysia, with scholarship programs like Stipendium Hungaricum strengthening academic relations. Hungary offers 40 scholarships annually for Malaysian students to study in Hungary, supporting international cooperation and diversity in higher education.
In conclusion, both countries expressed their commitment to further developing their cooperation for the mutual benefit of their nations. The past 55 years of diplomatic relations serve as a foundation for a promising future of enhanced collaboration between Malaysia and Hungary.
