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Diplomatic Bridge-Builder: Former Malaysian Envoy Honored with Morocco's Highest Accolade

Friday 21 June 2024 - 09:40

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In a ceremony steeped in diplomatic significance, Astanah Abdul Aziz, the former Malaysian Ambassador to Morocco, was bestowed with the Grand Cordon of the Wissam Alaouite, Morocco's most prestigious honor. The award ceremony, held at the Moroccan Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, marked a pinnacle in Abdul Aziz's illustrious diplomatic career and underscored the robust ties between Malaysia and Morocco.

The Grand Cordon, conferred by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, stands as a testament to Abdul Aziz's exceptional service and unwavering dedication during her tenure in the North African kingdom. Mohammed Saidi, Business Manager of the Moroccan Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, had the honor of presenting the award, emphasizing its significance in recognizing Abdul Aziz's instrumental role in fortifying bilateral relations.

Upon receiving the esteemed decoration, Abdul Aziz expressed profound gratitude, viewing the award as a reflection of her tireless efforts to nurture the bond between the two nations. Her words resonated with deep appreciation for the longstanding fraternal ties that Malaysia and Morocco have cultivated over the years.

The former ambassador took the opportunity to commend Morocco's comprehensive development initiatives, highlighting the kingdom's progress across various sectors. Her praise extended beyond mere diplomatic courtesy, offering insights into Morocco's transformative journey.

The relationship between Malaysia and Morocco has been cemented through numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding spanning diverse areas of cooperation. By 2008, bilateral trade between the two countries had reached an impressive $65 million, with Malaysian exports to Morocco accounting for $50.6 million and Moroccan exports to Malaysia totaling approximately $14.4 million.

Abdul Aziz also drew attention to Morocco's recent diplomatic triumph in becoming a Sectoral Dialogue Partner with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This achievement, realized in September 2023, positions Morocco as the first North African nation to attain this status, underscoring its growing influence in the international arena.

ASEAN, a political and economic union comprising 10 Southeast Asian states, is dedicated to fostering economic growth, social progress, and cultural development while promoting regional peace and stability. Morocco's new role as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner opens avenues for enhanced cooperation and dialogue between North Africa and Southeast Asia.

The former ambassador noted that Malaysia is poised to assume the ASEAN presidency in 2025, hinting at potential opportunities for further strengthening Morocco-ASEAN relations during Malaysia's tenure.

The award ceremony not only celebrated Abdul Aziz's personal achievements but also served as a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship and collaboration between Malaysia and Morocco. As both nations look towards a future of continued partnership and shared prosperity, the Grand Cordon of the Wissam Alaouite stands as a shining emblem of diplomatic excellence and international goodwill.

In the grand tapestry of global diplomacy, events such as these remind us of the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have in building bridges between nations and cultures. As Malaysia and Morocco continue to write new chapters in their bilateral story, the foundation laid by diplomats like Astanah Abdul Aziz will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone for future cooperation and mutual understanding.