The Diplomatic Training Programme for the Iraqi Participants was conducted successfully from 22 to 31 October 2023, with the participation of 10 diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq. This specialised programme is a concrete testament to Malaysia-Iraq strong partnership, which materialised following the successful visit of the Honourable Dato' Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Foreign Minister of Malaysia with His Excellency Dr Fuad Hussein, the Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq in August 2023.
Throughout the ten-day programme in Malaysia, the participants were exposed to various topics of pivotal importance in diplomacy and foreign relations, in parallel with the area of interest of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. These include Narrative Framing and Country Branding, Presentation Skills, Fine-Dining and Diplomatic Etiquette, Integrity in the Government Services, Public Diplomacy and the Role of Social Media, Counter-Terrorism, and International Negotiations, among others.
IDFR is honoured to feature diplomatic practitioners from Wisma Putra and other respected subject matter experts who imparted their wisdom on diplomacy best practices and essential skill sets to the participants. A courtesy call on the Honourable Dato' Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, the Foreign Minister of Malaysia was the highlight of the programme, which has certainly brought Malaysia and Iraq relations closer.
Several networking sessions was also arranged with officers from, among others, Foreign Affairs Ministry, International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Tourism and Cultural Ministry (MOTAC) as well as the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT).
The participants were also enlightened with Malaysia’s foreign policies, institutions, cultures, and values through the out-of-classroom learning experiences. These include the official visits to Wisma Putra, MITI, MATRADE, Putrajaya Administrative Centre, Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex, Cultural Show at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), and other cultural and historical excursions around iconic landmarks in Kuala Lumpur, such as PETRONAS Twin Towers and KL Tower.
Overall, the participants demonstrated a strong commitment and a high level of engagement throughout the programme. The Closing and Certificate Presentation Ceremony was held on 30 October 2023, with the presence of YBhg. Dato’ Syed Mohamad Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman (Director General of IDFR) and spouse, YBhg. Datin Sharifah Fadzlina Syed Abdullah, Mdm. Ghada Abduljabbar Dawi (Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Iraq), YBhg. Dato' Sri Naresh Mohan (Ramada Hotel’s Group CEO, Trinidad Holdings), and Ms. Nuryante Mohd Yazid (Director, Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy, IDFR). All participants were presented with certificates of participation by the Director General of IDFR, concluding their successful journey of the insightful diplomatic training programme.
Prepared by:
Ms. Hanun Insyirah Ishak and Ms. Aida Yasmin Azhar
Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED)
