Enhancing mutual ties with The Holy See
PUTRAJAYA: The establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and The Holy See signified this country’s commitment to enhance the existing mutual ties between both countries, particularly in religious issues, as well as to promote better understanding in religion, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.
Officiating the Chancery of the Malaysian Embassy to The Holy See yesterday, he said this was in line with Malaysia’s initiative of the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM).
“Malaysia strongly believes on the need to practice moderation as the fundamental element to foster greater integration, ensuring peaceful coexistence through the rejection of extremism that undermines the universal values of religion,” he said in a speech which was made available here.
The inauguration of the Chancery of Malaysian Embassy to The Holy See, was held exactly 11 months to the day the First Resident Ambassador, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, presented his credentials to Pope Francis.
The inauguration was attended by approximately 100 guests, including the Assessor for General Affairs of the Holy, the Head of Protocol of the Holy See, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps to the Holy See and members of the diplomatic corps.
Anifah said through the establishment of a resident embassy based in Rome, Malaysia was able to participate and contribute to worldwide dialogues on various regional and international issues, particularly on promoting religious understanding, education, poverty eradication, migration, as well as climate change.
He said one of the biggest challenges in today’s world was to fight extremist groups which were growing regionally and internationally, adding that extremism was a cancer to the world as it created chaos and political instability in a country.
“We have witnessed in the media the aftermath and chaos caused by the deeds of extremists. There is nothing to gain out of such deeds. In fact, the suffering of innocent people is indeed sad and inflammatory,” he said.
Anifah said in eliminating hatred and anger, emotions commonly used by extremists groups for their ends were crucial to ensure peace and harmony.
In this regard, he said the demand for moderation was even more relevant and needed today than in previous times.
Anifah said Malaysia was a strong advocate in the promotion of moderation as a way of life and as the means to resolve misunderstandings in society through dialogue and education.
“Malaysia’s efforts to promote moderation has gained recognition with the country seen as a model of a modern, dynamic and progressive nation rising up to the challenges of a multicultural society,” he said.
Malaysia also welcomed future collaboration with the various Pontifical councils, international organisations and non-government organisations in hosting dialogues and seminars aimed at promoting better religious understanding in the near future, Anifah said. — Bernama