Syrian Government to Strengthen Official Cooperation with Malaysia - Muslim Welfare Organisation
PUTRAJAYA (Selangor, Malaysia), Feb 21 (Bernama) -- The Syrian government has expressed high hopes that Malaysia will be among the first Islamic nations to strengthen official cooperation with Syria, including in efforts for the country’s recovery and reconstruction, according to Serantau Muslim Welfare Organisation (Serantau Muslim).
Serantau Muslim chairman Mohd Hakim Mohd Nor said this was conveyed by Syria’s Foreign Ministry representative, Muhammad Khalaf, during a meeting with a Serantau Muslim delegation at the Syrian Administrative Office in Damascus on Thursday.
The delegation is in Syria for the "Rebuild Syria Humanitarian Mission" from Feb 19 to 26.
“They see Malaysia as an example of an Islamic nation that has successfully developed its economy based on Islamic principles, making it a more suitable strategic partner compared to Western countries, which may offer assistance but with certain agendas,” he said in a statement Friday.
Mohd Hakim said the Syrian government highly values Malaysia’s expertise in Islamic finance, banking, plantation, infrastructure development, energy and water industries, as well as renewable energy technology.
“They believe Malaysia’s experience in developing its own nation based on Islamic values can serve as a beneficial guide in Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts,” he added.
He also said Syria commended the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his strong stance on global justice and efforts to strengthen ties within the Islamic world. Based on this, Syria hopes Malaysia will officially extend its support to the newly formed Syrian government.
Additionally, Mohd Hakim expressed hope that the Malaysian government would send an official delegation to initiate negotiations that could pave the way for investments, trade and more organised humanitarian aid.
He stressed that Malaysia should not miss this opportunity, as it would not only provide economic and diplomatic benefits but also strengthen the country’s position as a leader in the Islamic world.
According to him, an official relationship would enable Malaysian companies to enter the Syrian market early, explore vast investment opportunities and establish Malaysia as a key player in Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
Furthermore, Mohd Hakim said that formalising government-to-government relations would facilitate large-scale humanitarian initiatives needed to help the Syrian people rebuild their lives after enduring years of hardship.
-- BERNAMA
