Hajiji receiving a courtesy call from Dr Sándor at Menara Kinabalu today.
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor received a courtesy call from Hungary’s Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Sándor Sipos at Menara Kinabalu here today.
Hajiji welcomed the visit and expressed hope that friendly relations between Hungary and Sabah could be further strengthened through the exploration of potential strategic cooperation in various fields for the benefit of the State and its people.
He said the visit was expected to open up more opportunities for the exchange of expertise, technology and experience between both parties, particularly in areas that could support economic development and improve the well-being of the people of Sabah.
He said potential areas of cooperation identified were expected to translate into closer ties and opportunities that would bring long-term benefits to Sabah, covering education, agriculture, green technology, biodiversity research, medical technology, culture and tourism.
In education, Hajiji hoped more Sabahans would have the opportunity to pursue their studies in Hungary through the 40 scholarships offered annually by the Hungarian Government to Malaysian students, including those from Sabah, under the Stipendium Hungaricum programme for Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies.
Meanwhile, Sándor said Hungary planned to organise a scientific expedition to Sabah next year in collaboration with scientists and universities from Hungary and Malaysia to explore opportunities for scientific research and commemorate the contributions of Hungarian scientist Franz Xaver Witti, who conducted an expedition in the State in the 19th century.
He said the expedition aimed to strengthen cooperation in scientific research and cultural heritage, and would culminate in the publication of a book documenting Sabah and Witti’s contributions to the State’s history.
He said Hungary’s historical links with Sabah could also be seen in the naming of several geographical locations after Hungarian figures, including the Witti Range in the Sandakan area and Bukit Andrassy in Tawau.
Sándor also saw potential to strengthen ties between Hungary and Sabah through cooperation in culture and tourism, in addition to education and research.
He said the Hungarian Government also offered 40 scholarships to Malaysian youths in various fields, as well as more than 600 English-language courses.
Sándor said he would also endeavour to promote Sabah as a tourist destination in Hungary, taking into account the State’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Previously, Sándor paid a courtesy call on Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman on June 30 as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and strategic development cooperation between Hungary and Sabah.
On May 30, he also visited Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar to discuss potential cooperation in agricultural modernisation, research, innovation and sustainable agricultural development.
