Malaysia stood out as "an effective and positive role-model and leader in the Islamic world" because of its peacekeeping and other activities in the United Nations, the President, Mrs McAleese said at a State dinner in honour of the King and Queen of Malaysia, who arrived this week on a three-day visit. Deaglán de Bréadún reports.
Noting that it was the first State visit to Ireland by Malaysia's royalty, President McAleese also praised their country "as an example in terms of how it has sewn together its complex, multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual society". She said Malaysia and Ireland shared a common commitment to ensuring the "greatest possible access" to education for their young people.
Malaysia was also Ireland's fourth-largest export market outside Europe and there was "scope to increase the level of investment and trade in both directions".
"With its record of support for the UN and proud history of participation in UN peacekeeping missions, many of which included joint operations with Irish troops, Malaysia stands out as an effective and positive role-model and leader in the Islamic world," she added.
Speaking at a civic reception in the Mansion House yesterday, the Lord Mayor, Cllr Dermot Lacey said he was "delighted to welcome His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong to the city of Dublin".
Responding, the King said he was "touched" by the warmth of the welcome the royal couple had received on this, their first visit to Dublin.
They also noted "the cosmopolitan nature of your city". As a result, they now understood why Malaysian students felt so "comfortable" in Dublin.