Inauguration remarks by Foreign Minister Anifah Aman at the inauguration of the embassy of Malaysia to The Holy See are reproduced in full below:

I am honoured to be here to officially open the chancery of the embassy of Malaysia to The Holy See.

Malaysia is a developing nation and is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country. Since its formation in 1963, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with its GDP growing at an average of 6.5 percent per annum for almost 50 years.

Malaysia has also delivered on all fronts, particularly on its economic growth and social development. It has exceeded the expectation of the developing world.

Today, Malaysia has a newly-industrialised market economy, ranked third largest in South-East Asia and 29th largest in the world. We are also a founding member of the Association of South-East Asian Nations also known as Asean.

To ensure that the country continues to progress and uphold its 'Tiger Economy', there has been continuous new approach and policies undertaken by the leaders over the years to ensure its economy continues to grow further, ensuring incremental development in the country.

In 2009, the Honourable Najib Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, initiated the Government Transformation Programme or GTP and Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

GTP and ETP are programmes aimed at ensuring Malaysia and its citizens continue to prosper, living in peace and harmony through the economic and social development Roadmap.

It is also against this backdrop that in 2011, Malaysia established bilateral diplomatic ties with The Holy See.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Malaysia established diplomatic ties with the Vatican on July 27, 2011. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, the government of Malaysia accredited the Malaysian ambassador in Switzerland to The Holy See.

On 25 November 2015, we made the decision to establish an embassy of Malaysia to The Holy See, with residence in Rome. His excellency Bernard Giluk Dompok was appointed as the first resident ambassador to The Holy See.

The establishment of diplomatic relations with The Holy See signifies our commitment to enhance the existing mutual ties between both countries, particularly in religious issues, as well as to promote better understanding in religion. This is in line with Malaysia's initiative of the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM).

Malaysia strongly believes on the need to practice moderation as the fundamental element to foster greater integration, ensuring peaceful coexistence through the rejection of extremism that undermines the universal values of religion.

Through the establishment of a resident embassy based in Rome, we are able to participate and contribute to worldwide dialogues on various regional and international issues, particularly on promoting religious understanding, education, poverty eradication, migration, as well as on climate change.

Ladies and gentlemen,

One of the biggest challenges in today's world is to fight extremist groups which are growing regionally and internationally. Extremism is a cancer to the world, as it creates chaos and political instability in a country.

We have witnessed in the media the aftermath and chaos caused by the deeds of extremists. There is nothing to gain out of such deeds. In fact, the suffering of innocent people is indeed sad and inflammatory.

I must say that eliminating hatred and anger, emotions commonly used by extremists groups for their ends, is crucial to ensure peace and harmony. In this connection, the demand for moderation is even more relevant and needed today than in previous times.

Malaysia is a strong advocate in the promotion of moderation as a way of life and as means to resolve misunderstandings in society through dialogue and education.

Malaysia's efforts to promote moderation has gained recognition with the country seen as a model of a modern, dynamic and progressive nation rising up to the challenges of a multicultural society.

Malaysia also welcomes future collaboration with the various pontifical councils, international organisations and non-government organisations in hosting dialogues and seminars aimed at promoting better religious understanding in the near future.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is against this backdrop that we are gathered here today. The inauguration of the chancery of the embassy of Malaysia to The Holy see is a first step towards introducing our presence here today.

This event brings together diverse stakeholders to be connected with each another and I am positive that there will be many future collaborations with Malaysia in the various political, economic and social-development issues of mutual interest.

On that note, I thank you all for taking your valuable time off to be here today with us to witness the historical Inauguration of the Chancery of the Embassy of Malaysia to The Holy See.

- Bernama