Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : SRI PERDANA, KUALA LUMPUR
Tarikh/Date : 22/03/96
Tajuk/Title : THE OFFICIAL DINNER IN HONOUR OF
PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC
OF POLAND
It is an honour for me, on behalf of the
government of Malaysia, to welcome Your Excellency
and Mrs Cimoszewicz, and members of your delegation
to Malaysia. We are deeply honoured by your
acceptance of our invitation to visit Malaysia soon
after assuming the premiership of your country.
This visit, being the first undertaken by the Head
of Government from the Republic of Poland to
Malaysia, marks an important milestone in the
relations between our two countries.
2. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in
1972, Malaysia and Poland have enjoyed cordial and
friendly relations. The recent increase in
bilateral contacts between our two countries has
added further impetus towards the strengthening of
the relationship. Your visit here today and the
discussions between our two delegations will enable
us to better acquaint ourselves with each other's
policies and views on a wide range of topics. This
will certainly pave the way for greater and new co-
operation between Malaysia and Poland.
3. The end of the Cold War had brought about
historic changes to the countries in your region,
ushering in an era of transformation and change that
encompasses diverse spheres of human activities.
Poland is one of the countries at the forefront of
this dramatic transformation. We are impressed by
Poland's high growth rates and greatly admire
Poland's success, in particular, the vast strides
forward in the establishment of a free-market
economy and its integration into the world economy.
4. As developing nations, Malaysia and Poland
share common aspirations in achieving development
and prosperity for the good of our people and
nation. In Malaysia's efforts towards greater
economic progress through industrialisation and
developing new trading partners, foreign investment
plays an important role. In this context, Polish
participation in Malaysia's economy is most welcome
and would be an important element in the overall
relationship between our two countries. The
potential and opportunities for economic co-
operation are there for both sides to actively
explore and tap.
5. Malaysia notes with keen interest the
programmes of economic transformation in Poland
through privatisation and liberalisation. The
Malaysian private sector, over the years, has gained
considerable experience and developed expertise in
investments and business overseas. They would be
encouraged to participate in joint-ventures with
their Polish counterparts for mutual benefit. We
are therefore very happy that Your Excellency has
also brought along with you leading Polish
businessmen.
6. Malaysia is ready to work closely with Poland
and would be happy to share with Poland the
experiences gained in the field of privatisation,
banking, management and administration. At the same
time, Malaysia would welcome Poland's invaluable co-
operation in the area of science and technology for
which Poland has great expertise and know-how,
including precision and civil engineering. The
development of joint projects in these areas could
provide yet another firm link for the
intensification of bilateral relations.
7. Last year, a liaison office was established in
Krakow by one of Malaysia's leading companies to
secure trading opportunities for Malaysian products
and services. This was in recognition of Poland's
central location as a springboard to the regional
markets as well as to complement the overall efforts
to increase trade links with Poland and with the
surrounding countries. Likewise I would like to
invite Polish companies to increase their presence
in Malaysia and also to expand their trade links
with us and the neighbouring countries, using
Malaysia as a gateway to the ASEAN and East Asian
markets.
8. At the multilateral level, both Malaysia and
Poland are committed to international co-operation
and the promotion of peace and stability. Malaysian
and Polish soldiers are participating in IFOR in
Bosnia-Herzegovina to help implement the military
aspects of the Peace Agreement. We hope that the
people of Bosnia-Herzegovina will be able to enjoy
true peace and rebuild their shattered homes and
lives.
9. In European history, the Polish people too had
experienced much of the bitterness of war,
destruction, massacres and foreign occupation. The
exceptional determination and courage of the Poles
to reconstruct and resuscitate the nation in the
face of great trials and difficulties, will surely
serve as a shining inspiration to the Bosnians as
they begin their own process of healing and
reconstruction.
10. In conclusion, let me once again express our
great pleasure in having you, Mr. Prime Minister and
Mrs. Cimoszewicz, and other members of your
delegation with us this evening.
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