Malaysia, Qatar enhance co-operation across multiple sectors, says ambassador

The recent visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Qatar has significantly strengthened the already warm and friendly relations between the two nations, bolstering co-operation across multiple sectors, Malaysian ambassador Zamshari Shaharan has said.

“Our Prime Minister’s recent visit, I think, just provided this momentum to bring the bilateral relations to greater heights,” the envoy told 'Gulf Times' on the sidelines of the “Malaysia Truly Asia: Food Culture” event in Doha. In the area of culture and arts, Shaharan highlighted the importance of showcasing Malaysia’s rich and diverse culinary landscape in the country, saying that food culture is a melting pot of different tastes in the Southeast Asian nation.

He pointed out that Malaysian food culture is a fascinating blend of various influences, including Indian and GCC flavours, among others, making it a captivating experience for international visitors. The recently-held ‘Malaysia Truly Asia: Food Culture’ in Doha aims to bridge the cultural gap between the two countries through shared gastronomic experiences.

Shaharan noted that the organising of the this event will foster people-to-people connections and highlight the multi-ethnic heritage of both Qatar and Malaysia. In the area of medical tourism, the envoy underlined the potential for attracting Qatari patients to Malaysia’s advanced healthcare system. He, however, admitted that while efforts have been made to promote this sector, success has been limited, citing a number of factors.

However, Shaharan said he remains optimistic, stressing that Malaysia is on the right direction as it continues to woo Qataris and the potential for improvement through government-to-government arrangements. “We have the attractions, hospitals, and everything, but I think we still need to work on marketing our capabilities,” he admitted. “We are trying to do that”.

To further bolster medical tourism initiatives, Shaharan said the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council is planning a symposium this year. This event, he added, is anticipated to strengthen collaborations between the two countries and elevate Malaysia’s profile as a medical tourism destination for Qatar.

Reiterating the significance of the prime minister’s recent visit as a catalyst for strengthening the ties between Qatar and Malaysia, he expressed confidence that the momentum will lead to increased co-operation in various sectors.