KUCHING: The Sarawak Regional Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is stepping up efforts to facilitate stronger international ties and open up new avenues of cooperation for the state.
Its director, Hendy Assan, said the office had expanded beyond its traditional consular duties to serve as a bridge between the Sarawak Government and foreign embassies and countries.
He said the office was particularly focused on strengthening engagement with ASEAN countries, China and the European Union, including exploring cooperation opportunities that could support Sarawak’s development agenda.
“The regional office initially handled consular matters for our people in Sarawak, but at the same time, our role has now expanded.
“It includes acting as a liaison between the Sarawak Government and foreign embassies and countries, particularly the European Union and China,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
Hendy said engagement with ASEAN member states was also important given Sarawak’s geographical proximity and shared borders with several countries in the region.
He said ASEAN countries also viewed Sarawak as a model of development with potential for collaboration, particularly in green and renewable energy.
Meanwhile, he said discussions during the courtesy call covered Sarawak’s development achievements and the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Regional Office in supporting the state’s international engagement.
“We discussed the development that has been carried out in Sarawak, how rapidly we are developing the state under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), and how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Regional Office can help establish relations with these foreign countries,” he added.
Hendy said the regional office remained ready to support the Sarawak Government in strengthening international relations and exploring cooperation opportunities in areas of mutual interest.
