Malaysia And Cambodia Harness Cultural Diplomacy To Broaden Bilateral Ties

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Cambodia are tapping into cultural soft power, from music to dance and arts, to deepen bilateral relations, thus adding a new dimension to bolster their foreign policies.

Both nations, with diverse cultural identities, are steadfast in promoting cultural bonding to enhance peace and stability in the region.

The Malaysian embassy in Phnom Penh amplified the significance of soft power, which is a lynchpin of foreign relations, by hosting the “Malaysian Cultural Evening” on Monday.

Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn set a clear narrative of cultural diplomacy to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries who share the same national interests.

“I believe that initiatives such as these cultural events will provide an opportunity for the people of Malaysia and Cambodia to know each other's cultures better.

“This is a people-to-people aspect in our bilateral relations which I believe is equally important to government-to-government and business-to-business aspects. This event will provide an opportunity to instill a greater appreciation of Malaysian and Cambodian traditional cultures,” said Shaharuddin.

Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona, the guest of honour for the show, said the cultural event serves as a platform to deepen collaboration while reflecting the robust and enduring diplomatic ties between both nations that began in 1957.

“This performance tonight symbolises the grand cultural identities of our respective countries while also underscoring how culture and arts transcend borders promoting unity.

“Cambodia is fully committed to strengthening our cultural ties with Malaysia. As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship, we are excited to collaborate in important cultural initiatives that not only highlight our shared heritage but also enhance the creative potentials of our region.

“The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts fully supports Malaysia's initiatives to promote ASEAN’s diverse culture and arts industry, and to promote ASEAN identity,” she said.

Despite the moody monsoon dulling Phnom Penh's evening skyline, Malaysian artists captivated the audience with their mesmerising traditional "Makyong" and "Zapin" dances inside the auditorium.

While Cambodian performers reciprocated with brilliant “Mani Mekhala” dance drama and “magic scarf dance”,  a new generation of informal ambassadors is redefining foreign policies using cultural soft power. 

-- BERNAMA