KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor today received a courtesy call from the Hungarian Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Dr Sándor Sipos, at Menara Kinabalu here.
Hajiji welcomed the visit and expressed hope that friendly ties between Hungary and Sabah would continue to strengthen through the exploration of potential strategic cooperation in various fields for the benefit of the state and its people.
He hoped the visit would open up more opportunities for the exchange of expertise, technology and experience between both sides, particularly in areas that could support economic development and improve the well-being of the people of Sabah.
The Chief Minister also hoped the potential areas of cooperation identified could translate into closer ties and collaborative opportunities that would bring long-term benefits to Sabah, particularly in education, agriculture, green technology, biodiversity research, medical technology, culture and tourism.
In education, Hajiji hoped more Sabahans would have the opportunity to pursue higher education 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 was planning a scientific expedition to Sabah next year in collaboration with scientists and universities from Hungary and Malaysia to explore potential scientific research opportunities and commemorate the contributions of Hungarian scientist Franz Xaver Witti, who conducted expeditions in the state during the 19th century.
He said the expedition was aimed at strengthening 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.
Sándor said Hungary’s historical ties with Sabah were also reflected in the naming of several geographical locations after Hungarian figures, including the Witti Range in the Sandakan area and Andrassy Hill in Tawau.
He also saw potential to strengthen ties between Hungary and Sabah through cooperation in culture and tourism, as well as education and research.
He said the Hungarian Government also offered 40 scholarships to Malaysian youths in various fields of study, with more than 600 courses taught in English.
Sándor said he would also work towards promoting Sabah as a tourist destination in Hungary, taking into account the state’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Earlier, Sándor paid a courtesy call on Sabah’s Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, on June 30 as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and strategic development cooperation between Hungary and Sabah.
On May 30, he also paid a courtesy call on Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar to discuss potential cooperation in agricultural modernisation, research, innovation and sustainable agricultural development.-pr/BNN
