Malaysia has always been at the forefront in addressing challenges in regional issues, through a strong, successful and inclusive Asean, said Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

He said on the humanitarian front for example, Wisma Putra continues to provide humanitarian aid and support to those in dire need of assistance around the globe.

"From the bay of the Bengal to the countryside of Syria, our diplomats have highlighted human sufferings in these areas and worked on the key initiatives to alleviate the situation.

"We continue to play a vital role to ensure the safety of students and Malaysians abroad, especially those affected in conflict zones.

“No one can doubt that Wisma Putra has been integral in protecting our fellow citizens abroad," he said during the graduation ceremony of Diploma in Diplomacy 2017 in Kaual Lumpur today.

During the ceremony, 18 administrative and diplomatic officers (PTD) received their Diploma in Diplomacy, a six-month mandatory training programme for junior officers of the Foreign Ministry.

The programme was designed to prepare and equip the participants with professional skills as well as the right attitude and values to perform and excel in their duties as diplomats.

Touching on young diplomats, Reezal said the ministry was serious in developing holistic Malaysian diplomats to enhance Malaysian prestige as a middle power in the region.

Thus, he said, the young diplomats needed to be armed and equipped with the relevant skills and the latest tools to engage effectively with other countries and stakeholders.

He said the diplomats of the future had to be proficient in the international law, trade, economy and foreign languages in order to catch up with rapid pace of current times.

- Bernama