bahrainthismonth.com | SEPTEMBER 2025 INTERVIEW 12 As Malaysia chairs ASEAN in 2025, His Excellency Dato’ Shazryll Zahiran, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Bahrain, speaks to Kristian Harrison about diplomacy, trade, tourism and strengthening Malaysia-Bahrain relations. As you celebrate your fourth year in Bahrain, how has this journey been for you personally and for your family? This journey has been incredibly special for me and my family. From the moment we arrived, Bahrain embraced us with unparalleled warmth and genuine friendship. My son has grown up here, my wife has forged close ties and built a strong community, and together we’ve become part of the rich tapestry of Bahraini life. These experiences have created cherished memories and an enduring bond with the people of Bahrain, one built on mutual respect, shared values and lasting connections. Malaysia is currently chairing ASEAN. What are the key priorities for 2025 and how is Malaysia using this role to influence the region? As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia has embraced a pivotal leadership role, tasked with developing innovative strategies to guide the region forward. At a time when ASEAN continues to grow in political and economic importance, we are proactively planning for future challenges while ensuring sustainable development. At the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, we introduced the Kuala Lumpur ASEAN Declaration 2045, which was endorsed by all ASEAN leaders. This roadmap sets out a bold, vibrant and strategically vital framework to ensure member nations benefit from emerging opportunities while protecting regional security. It reflects ASEAN’s collective commitment to prosperity, unity and resilience as we navigate an increasingly competitive global environment. How has Bahrain contributed to strengthening ASEAN-GCC relations, and what opportunities does this create for Malaysia? Bahrain continues to demonstrate its commitment to deepening ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN. A defining milestone was Bahrain’s historic signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2019, making it the first GCC country to do so and underscoring its intent to be a reliable partner to ASEAN. Bahrain also hosted the first ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and participated in the ASEAN-GCC Summit, represented by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. This year saw the landmark inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, a major development that strengthens the economic and geopolitical link between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. These milestones create an opportunity for Malaysia and Bahrain to work together as economic gateways for both regions. You previously highlighted food security and renewable energy as key areas for cooperation. Has there been progress on these fronts? Absolutely. Bahrain and Malaysia share common aspirations in renewable energy development and climate change mitigation. Following the visit of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Bahrain in February, both nations committed to advancing joint initiatives in the renewable energy sector and exploring new avenues for investment. Beyond green energy, we are collaborating closely in Islamic banking and fintech, sectors where Bahrain’s expertise is internationally recognised. These partnerships represent more than economic cooperation; they build a stronger framework for innovation and sustainable growth across Malaysia, Bahrain, ASEAN and the GCC. How significant was the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit to Bahrain? This visit was truly historic. It marked the first official visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister since the establishment of our Embassy and came at a critical time, as Malaysia chairs ASEAN and undergoes transformative domestic developments. The visit highlighted our shared aspirations for economic growth and peaceful coexistence. It provided a platform to strengthen our bilateral partnership while deepening collaboration on regional challenges, including efforts to promote stability and peace in the Middle East. Strengthening Regional Partnerships
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