By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 29: Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Dato Seri Tiong King Sing is keen on knowledge sharing and expert exchanges, including the conservation of heritage buildings and sites, between Malaysia and the Republic of Iraq.
In a Facebook post, Tiong said this followed his meeting with Dr Ahmed Fakak Ahmed Al-Hamd, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities of the Republic of Iraq, in conjunction with the World Tourism Conference 2025, which was held recently.
Tiong, who is also assemblyman for Dudong and MP for Bintulu, said he introduced the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and its development of Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH), while also highlighting the importance of enhancing connectivity through more direct flights from Baghdad to Kuala Lumpur.
He described such initiatives as further strengthening multiracial and multireligious ties, fostering closer people-to-people exchanges and deepening international relationships with Iraq.
“His Excellency also shared insights on Iraq’s rich civilizational heritage and Islamic tourism, where different religious traditions have coexisted in mutual respect. This shared respect for diversity reflects Malaysia’s own multiracial and multireligious identity.
“We also see great potential in knowledge sharing and expert exchanges, including the conservation of heritage buildings and sites, which stand as important symbols of our history and identity.
“I sincerely appreciate the enriching discussion with His Excellency and remain confident that, through continued dialogue, we can build and strengthen strong bilateral ties.
“Together, we can identify and implement collaborative initiatives that bring mutual benefits to both countries and reinforce our long-term partnership for peace, prosperity and mutual growth,” he said. — DayakDaily
