By Saiful Bahri Kamaruddin
Pix Abd Ra’ai Osman

BANGI, 13 April 2015 – A record of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Mexico for the past 40 years has been published in book form as a reference for students of both countries.

The book titled Mexico & Malaysia: Celebrating 40 Years of Friendship is published by the National University of Malaysia (UKM) Publishers and launched by the Secretary General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria here today.

Dr. Rebecca and the new Ambassador of Mexico to Malaysia, Carlos Felix Corona did the honours of signing the book, witnessed by UKM Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr. Noor Azlan Ghazali.

In his speech, Prof. Noor Azlan predicted better days ahead for the relationship between Mexico and Malaysia.

“The relation between Mexico and Malaysia has a promising future. Our achievements, similarities, common objectives, aspirations and vision provide us an opportunity to deepen our ties in the 21st century, following the leadership and potential of both nations in their respective region,” he said.

Therefore, UKM through the Center for International Relations (Global UKM) and the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) will continue to foster bilateral relations with Mexican universities.

Development programmes such as the Malaysia-Mexico Exchange (MPMEX) and the International Seminar / Workshop on Latin America and Asia (LASA) will be further enhanced, pledged the vice-chancellor.

When launching the book, Dr Rebecca expressed hope that bilateral trade could be improved further.

“Trade between Malaysia and Mexico which at present is worth US $ 1.2 billion (RM 4 billion) is actually small compared with other countries. It would be added value if our trade ties with Mexico could be strengthened because both parties have great potential. There are still many sectors that have yet to be explored.

“Both of our countries are located in the middle of their respective regions. There is still much we can do, given that Mexico established free trade agreements with many other countries,” added Dr Rebecca.

Corona, too, in his speech expressed confidence that bilateral trade will increase further as the commercial trend of his country is becoming geared towards South-East Asia.

According to him the relationship between Mexicans and the people of Malaysia or people-to-people connection has enhanced mutual understanding.

However, Corona acknowledged, there is much more that could be improved and fine-tuned.

At the ceremony a video presentation of the book was also shown.