Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA
Tarikh/Date : 28/10/97
Tajuk/Title : THE OFFICIAL DINNER HOSTED BY H.E.
MR JANEZ DRNOVSEK PRIME MINISTER OF
THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA
1. I would like to thank the Government of the Republic
of Slovenia for the warm welcome and hospitality that
has been accorded to the members of my delegation, my
wife and I. We are impressed by the friendship and the
goodwill that has been shown to us.
2. This visit to Slovenia has been planned for a long
time. It was clear to us in Malaysia from the beginning
that the heroic people of Slovenia who had stood up to
arrogant might were set on a course of uplifting their
socio-economic status. It is commendable that from a
modest beginning, in less than a decade, Slovenia has
made laudable progress and has developed into a distinct
nation-state.
3. As a trading nation Malaysia has particular
interest in Slovenia. Slovenia is at a geographical
cross-roads in South Eastern Europe. From the Adriatic
Sea which is one of the most easily accessible sea
routes for us in South East Asia, Slovenia enjoys
excellent access to the hinterland of Central Europe.
Coupled with the outward commercial outlook and its
imaginative economic, financial and monetary policies,
Slovenia is viewed as a natural trading partner for
Malaysia.
4. Like Malaysia, we note that Slovenia has not
allowed the smallness of its domestic market to dissuade
it from embarking on projects for the mass production of
both capital and consumer goods. The wave of the future
will be that trade will flow from areas that produce
goods efficiently and cheaply to other areas. In this
new regime of free trade, countries like Malaysia and
Slovenia will have to find their niche.
5. The various meetings that the members of my
delegation and I will have during this visit will enable
us to explore the possibilities for bilateral
cooperation. I am optimistic that given Slovenia's
outward orientation, its wide use of the English
language and the strong desire to foster trade and
economic cooperation, there exists an excellent
environment for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
6. In the next few months it is important that a
proper legal framework be established to encourage trade
and economic cooperation between our two countries. The
various agreements that are under negotiation will have
to be finalised. I am glad that during this visit we
are making a good start by signing an Air Services
Agreement.
7. From our experiences in Malaysia we have found that
political stability, a regional environment of peace,
mutual trust and confidence are important ingredients
for economic progress and prosperity. I realise that
Slovenia has sought to build good relations with its
neighbours. It is a matter of sadness that Slovenia has
not quite been able to persuade the government in
Belgrade to live in peace. Belgrade's actions continue
to threaten the fragile peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
8. The Serbs in Belgrade seem bent on unravelling
whatever the Dayton Peace Agreement has achieved for the
region. Malaysia has been a strong advocate for beefing
up the military strength of all the countries that share
boundaries with Yugoslavia. It does seem that only the
threat of retaliation and reprisal will persuade
Belgrade to behave responsibly. In this regard I do
hope that Slovenia will be able to play a positive role
to influence its European friends, particularly the
stronger states, to lift the arms embargo on Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
9. In a small way Malaysia has contributed to the
reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have also
contributed to the U.S. -led Train and Equip Program for
Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have found, however, that
the cessation of war is not adequate to ensure the
future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country needs to
achieve genuine reconciliation amongst the various
ethnics group. It needs to develop itself and it has to
draw back its people who have sought employment and
refuge elsewhere. Others who have been displaced should
be allowed to return to their rightful homes. This
process of normalisation is not happening due to a
variety of reasons, including Belgrade's intransigence.
10. Malaysia is willing to work with Slovenia to
contribute to the process of achieving normalcy in
Bosnia and Herzegovina. The details of what we can do
together can be worked out in discussions at various
levels. I am confident that such co-operation will lay
the groundwork for a durable peace in this region. We
believe that only peace in the region will help the
exploitation of the full potential of the people and new
countries resulting from the breakup of Yugoslavia.
11. I believe there is immense scope to develop further
the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Slovenia.
When the private sectors of our two countries begin to
collaborate, I am optimistic that our relations will
achieve a new momentum which will prove mutually
beneficial.
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