Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Online Correspondent
MALAYSIA has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Zimbabwe through cultural diplomacy following the successful hosting of “A Taste of Malaysia — Jom Makan” cultural festival in Harare on Wednesday.
The event, organised by the embassy of Malaysia, celebrated Malaysia’s diverse cuisine and cultural heritage while promoting friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
It brought together Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and members of the Malaysian community in Zimbabwe.
Malaysia’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Mr Aniff Fauzi said the event symbolised the strong and cordial relations that have existed between Malaysia and Zimbabwe since the establishment of diplomatic ties.
“As Chargé d’Affaires representing Malaysia in Zimbabwe, I wish to underscore our commitment to strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation between our two countries,” he said.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in the 1980s, our capitals, Kuala Lumpur and Harare, have enjoyed warm and cordial relations.”
He said the cooperation between the two nations primarily focuses on trade, investment, education, defence, tourism and capacity building through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).
“We are pleased to share that so far, around 400 Zimbabwean officials have been trained under the MTCP in various fields,” Mr Fauzi said.
He said Malaysia, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, has plans to host the 47th ASEAN Summit later this month in Kuala Lumpur, where world leaders will gather to discuss key global and regional issues.
Mr Fauzi invited Zimbabweans to visit Malaysia under the forthcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism campaign and said such exchanges deepen people-to-people connections and mutual understanding.
Guests at the event were treated to an array of authentic Malaysian dishes, including Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai and Teh Tarik, along with traditional desserts such as Karipap, Kuih Keria and Ais Kacang.
The highlight of the day was a fruit tasting session featuring the famed durian, pineapples and guavas in collaboration with Malaysia’s Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority.
Performances by Dzikwa Trust students, who sang Malaysian songs “Standing in the Eyes of the World” and “Ewa Bulan”, added a cultural exchange component that highlighted the unity between the two nations.
Mr Fauzi said the embassy plans to make the “Jom Makan” event an annual tradition.
He described it as a platform for strengthening cultural diplomacy and enhancing bilateral ties between Malaysia and Zimbabwe.
