Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman officiated the Embassy of Malaysia to the Holy See today.

Anifah in his speech said that the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Holy See which then led to the establishment of the Embassy of Malaysia to the Holy See is an important milestone in the country’s international diplomacy.

The statement also said the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM) initiative is one of the reasons why Malaysia have a diplomatic relations with Holy See.

“Malaysia and Holy See share many stance in various social issues. Malaysia hope that the Vatican will cooperate in various issues of mutual interest,” said the statement issued by Wisma Putra.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok said that it is an honour to serve as the country’s first ambassador to the Holy See.

He said there are many areas of cooperation between Malaysia and Holy See especially in education and social issues.

He is also hoping that inter-faith dialogues between Malaysia and Holy See can be strengthened.

Hanifah is on a working visit to the Holy See from May 8 to 10.