The celebration was graced with the presence of His Excellency Professor Ibrahim Ahmed Omer, the Minister of Sciences and Technology, representing the Government of National Unity (GONU) of the Republic of Sudan.

         His Excellency Ambassador delivered a short speech to the attendees, amongst others dwelled on the relations between Malaysia and Sudan which he described as “friendly and deeply rooted” and affirmed our government’s keenness to further enhance the relations in all sphere. His Excellency Ambassador also thanked the Government of Sudan for giving Malaysian investors/businessmen, especially PETRONAS the opportunity to participate in Sudan’s economic development. The Ambassador further emphasized Malaysia’s determination and intention to become the world class educational centre by the year 2010 and encouraged more students from Sudan to pursue their studies in Malaysia.

                  In his response to the speech, the Minister conveyed congratulations from the President, the Government and the people of the Republic of Sudan to the people and the Government of Malaysia, in conjunction with our 51^st National Day Anniversary. The Minister also hailed the distinguished Malaysian-Sudanese relations in all domains as both countries have always taken common stance on various economic and political issues at international fora. He affirmed Sudan’s keenness to consolidate them further. Malaysian investments in Sudan as he said, is an apparent demonstration of a strong relations between Malaysia and Sudan.  He also delighted with the encouraging numbers of Sudanese students and lecturers who have had the benefit of Malaysian higher educational system.

         The celebration that was held in Grand Holiday Villa hotel, a Malaysian investment in Sudan managed by Antara Holiday, was well attended by about two hundred invitees, including Sudanese government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, businessmen, academicians, journalists, politicians etc. The event was also highlighted by Sudan TV in its prime news.

         In other related events, PETRONAS hosted Flag Hoisting Ceremony, in the evening of 30^th August. The occasion which took place at its new compound was well participated by the Embassy and fellow Malaysians, comprising of PETRONAS staff and their families and all Malaysians residing and working in Khartoum.