Blanar Opens Slovak Embassy in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur/Bratislava, 30 April (TASR) – Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) officially opened the Slovak embassy in Malaysia on Wednesday (29 April), Foreign Affairs Ministry's communication department has informed TASR. According to Blanar, the new diplomatic mission in Kuala Lumpur will strengthen Slovakia's diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia, improve support for Slovak citizens in the region, and create new opportunities for the development of economic and political relations with Malaysia. It will also be accredited to nearby Brunei. "Malaysia is a country where we have very solid foundations for cooperation, including agreements on investment protection and the avoidance of double taxation. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Slovak–Malaysian relations. I am positive that this chapter will be filled with tangible results, mutual understanding and joint successes," stated Blanar. The embassy, under the leadership of new ambassador Peter Spisiak, will promote links between business entities and academic institutions, as well as the exchange of expertise in sectors where the two countries’ economies complement each other, added the ministry. Blanar pointed to examples of successful Slovak companies operating in Malaysia in areas such as hydrometeorological measurement and biometric systems. "We see particular potential in water management, innovation, industrial technologies and nuclear energy, where Slovakia has the necessary expertise. We can offer the entire chain of experience to the Malaysian side, which has expressed interest in it," stressed the minister. The head of Slovak diplomacy also praised Malaysia's role as a stable and important member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He described it as a stable and respected country, with which Slovakia shares respect for international law, support for the multilateral system, and a common interest in stability, prosperity, and sustainable development. The minister's visit to Malaysia was part of his trip to Southeast Asia this week. He held talks with his counterpart Mohamad Hasan and Speaker of the House of Representatives Johari Abdul during his visit. His agenda also included the opening of an exhibition of unique Islamic manuscripts from the collection of Safvet-beg Basagic at the Museum of Islamic Art. ko