GEORGE TOWN – European Union (EU) talks on allowing Malaysians into the continent following Covid-19 travel restrictions are close to concluding, revealed EU Ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas.
Speaking to selected media outlets during a dinner he hosted at the E&O Hotel last Thursday, the union’s representative said that its member states hope to welcome Malaysian tourists back once the restrictions have been lifted.
“Soon, we hope to welcome back Malaysians to Europe, especially tourists,” said Rokas.
Furthermore, he added that the EU is keen to collaborate with Malaysia on green projects and education with the hope that both sides can effectively address climate change.
He said the EU can start to pursue sustainable green projects with Malaysia where they can create jobs and generate revenue.
The circular economy is growing in Europe. In fact, there is no sensitive ecology project which gets approved in Europe now. Everything needs to be sustainable in nature,” said Rokas.
Additionally, he noted that megaprojects that have been panned for their adverse impact on the environment, such as the undersea tunnel and land reclamation projects, can be done in a sustainable manner if developed properly with the environment in mind.
Another avenue for strengthening bilateral relations is the enrolment of more Malaysian students at various institutions in Europe for their tertiary and specialised education.
“Let me assure you that the medium of instruction would be in English,” the ambassador said.
He was also open to the idea of bringing in conservation and preservation specialists from Europe to assist Penang in maintaining its Unesco World Heritage Site status.
Also present was EU-Malaysia Head of Trade and Economic Relations Francesco Floris and EU trade and economic attaché Pekka Penttila.
Earlier, the group paid courtesy calls on Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Invest Penang as well as visited places of interest such as Penang Hill while savouring the state’s famed gastronomic delights.
The ambassador also announced the EU’s intention to learn more about the state government’s green initiatives and waste management efforts.
“We are in the phase of programming our actions in Malaysia for the next six years. Our financial cycle has been restarted. Our team is identifying areas, in regions of Malaysia, where we can bring in our expertise and have policy dialogues and expert exchange,” said Rokas. – The Vibes, November 25, 2021.
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