KUCHING: The Sarawak Regional Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs now plays a broader role in strengthening the Sarawak Government's relations with foreign countries.

Director of the Sarawak Regional Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hendy Assan said that the role of the regional office is no longer limited to consular affairs, but also serves as a liaison between the Sarawak Government, embassies and foreign countries.

According to him, the relationship also includes efforts to strengthen relations with ASEAN member states, China and the European Union, particularly in exploring cooperation opportunities that can support Sarawak's development.

“This regional office initially established consular relations with our people in Sarawak, but at the same time our current duties have expanded.

“It includes the role of liaison between the Sarawak Government and embassies and countries abroad, especially the European Union and China,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex, here on Thursday.

Explaining further, Hendy said relations with ASEAN countries were also crucial as Sarawak shares borders with several ASEAN member states.

He said that ASEAN countries also view Sarawak as an example of development that can be explored together, especially in the green energy and renewable energy sectors.

Meanwhile, he said the courtesy visit also discussed the development implemented in Sarawak as well as the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regional Office in helping to strengthen the state’s relations with foreign countries to support the state’s development agenda.

“We discussed the development that has been implemented in Sarawak, how we are rapidly developing the state through the Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Offices can assist in establishing relations with these foreign countries,” he added.

Hendy also stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regional Office is prepared to support the Sarawak Government in strengthening international relations including helping to explore opportunities for cooperation in sectors of mutual interest. -UKASnews