Australia-Malaysia Young Diplomats’ Roundtable – building long-term links
The third Australia-Malaysia Young Diplomats’ Roundtable was held on 8 and 9 May at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) in Kuala Lumpur.
This latest Roundtable, which brought together Australian and Malaysian diplomats with seven or less years of work experience, followed previous successful Roundtables held in Kuala Lumpur in 2009, and in Canberra in 2011.
Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, HE Mr Miles Kupa, and the Director-General of IDFR, YBhg Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, officially opened the Roundtable on the first day.
The Roundtable provided a unique opportunity for junior diplomats to exchange views on a range of foreign policy issues which affect Australia and Malaysia. The Roundtable included constructive discussion on issues including the Malaysia-Australia bilateral relationship; counter-terrorism; resolving conflict through regional engagement; the UN Security Council and Australia’s role as a non-permanent member; advancing economic diplomacy in the Asian Century; and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The Roundtable also provided a highly successful platform for Australian and Malaysian junior diplomats to develop professional networks and to highlight the potential for strategic partnerships between the two countries. It was an also an opportunity for the diplomats involved on both sides to deepen their understanding of the other’s country, and to counter misconceptions and stereotypes. It was a lively encounter, much enjoyed by participants.
Australia will host the next Australia-Malaysia Young Diplomats’ Roundtable in 2015.