President of the Republic accepted the credentials of Dato'Syeed Sultan bin Seni Pakir, the Ambassador of Malaysia to Estonia, in the afternoon today in Kadriorg.

Presenting his credentials, the first Ambassador of Malaysia to Estonia spoke of the need and opportunities to intensify co-operation between the two countries. Especially, he mentioned the necessity for mutual visits between the representatives of both countries that would facilitate the establishment of more permanent contacts.

As President Meri said, Estonia and Malaysia, two countries situated on the opposite sides of the Earth, are still close in their objectives and methods: development of economic co-operation and guaranteeing of local stability with the assistance of international organisations. Political relations between Estonia and Malaysia have been good, although minimal so far due to the great distance between the two countries, the President said. The President expressed his hope that appointment of an Ambassador to Estonia would also lead to closer relations in the future.

President Meri and the Malaysian Ambassador also discussed the developments in the Islamic world and expressed their concern with the difference in attitudes of the world community towards the wars in East Timor and Chechnya, despite the similar nature of the two wars.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, October 28, 1999

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