Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan

Tan Sri Rastam Mohd IsaIn this era of challenging global dynamics, Wisma Putra is tasked withensuring that the needs of the country in the field of diplomacy andinternational relations are well looked after. The Ministry of ForeignAffairs, also known as Wisma Putra, has been at the forefront ofpromoting and defending Malaysia’s interests abroad.Over the years, the functions and responsibilities of the ministry have evolvedconsiderably in keeping with the demands of the nation and the constantly changingglobal environment. The broadening of Malaysia’s interests, covering many areas, hasnecessitated a non-traditional foreign policy implementation through innovativemeans.Today, Wisma Putra operates from Putrajaya and through 105 Malaysian diplomaticand consular missions abroad. We also relyon the services of honorary consuls aroundthe world.The ministry’s Strategic Plan outlinesthe way forward for Wisma Putra for2009-2015. Among others, it focuses onthe advancement of Malaysia’s political,economic and strategic interests by engagingwith several key countries.The success of Prime Minister Datuk SeriNajib Tun Razak’s visit to China earlier thisyear followed a series of successful visitsto several Asean, Asian and Europeancountries.The success of PrimeMinister Datuk Seri NajibTun Razak’s visit to Chinaearlier this year followeda series of successful visitsto several Asean, Asianand European countries.Several foreign leaders including from Indonesia, Brunei, China, Australia, Thailandand New Zealand have also visited Malaysia since he took office in April 2009.These exchange of visits constitute an important component of Malaysia’s relationsand cooperation with foreign countries. Wisma Putra facilitates and coordinatesthe follow-up and implementation of their outcome with other relevant ministriesand agencies.Mechanisms such as the Annual Consultations between the Prime Minister ndleaders of our close neighbours, joint commissions headed by the Foreign Minister,and other forms of bilateral consultations provide the vehicle for dialogue andconsultation with other countries. Fourteen key performance indicators (KPIs)have been identified to measure the performance of the ministry. These includethe enhancement of bilateral relations and cooperation with our immediate141