Page 24 - Diplomatic Voice 2014 -3

NEWS update report from the UNSG on the During the formal meeting, the Presi- participants expressed their satisfac- latest security situation that occurred dent called on the conflicting parties’ tion and found the exercise really for the past 24 hours in Gaza. Given representatives from Palestine and helpful, especially with Malaysia the latest situation, the President re- Israel to make their statements on the bidding for a non-permanent seat in quested the Council to resume the given escalating situation in Gaza as the UNSC in 2015. This exercise is an drafting of the UNSC Resolution whe- well as relevant international organisa- essential venue to gain knowledge on re additional provisions were reflected tions to address their concerns. the UNSC system. With all the know- that addressed the latest develop- ledge and skills they gained from the ments on the security threats situation Prior to voting for the adoption of the start of their career in the Ministry of in Gaza as reported by the UNSG. draft UNSC Resolution, all Council Foreign Affairs, more simulation exer- members made their statements and cises is the key for them to grow and The draft UNSC Resolution was later country’s position on the situation in become familiarise with other interna- presented by the Working Group to Gaza. Twelve countries voted in favour tional organisational systems. the Council during the informal meet- and three abstained, which gained the ing in the afternoon, where all provi- consensus of the Council to adopt the sions of the draft were accepted. The UNSC Resolution. President then set the formal meeting at 3.00 pm. At the end of the simulation, the A Taste of World Cuisine in One Afternoon Contributed by Abdilbar Ab Rashid “Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture” Mark Kurlansky, prominent American journalist ~ One of the ways to understand a mentioned that food is becoming a hanced when the students who culture is to have a taste of its food staple of global diplomacy, as it is studied Spanish served them beef and first. Therefore, on Wednesday, 27 closely related to culture and eth- chicken quesadillas, which are August 2014, the DiD 2/2014 partici- nicity. He added that food could also seasoned meat wrapped in warm pants took the challenge to cook act as a convener, citing the example Mexican tortilla and garnished with special cuisines belonging to the of when the Prime Minister of Malay- fresh tomatoes and peppers. The culture of the foreign languages that sia and the Prime Minister of Singa- main entrée was boeuf bourguignon they studied during the DiD pro- pore shared a light moment together prepared by the students who studied gramme and to serve them during a eating Malaysian durians. On the French. Beouf bourguignon is a well- special luncheon. other hand, food could also be a point known traditional French cuisine that of division, where wars and conflicts originates from Bourgogne, France. The luncheon was attended by Mr. break out over resources like food and For this dish, the meat was slow Damien Syed, First Secretary of the water. He also spoke of mustering the cooked in non-alcoholic red wine French Embassy, Ambassador Ami- power of food to motivate people to based French sauce until it was nahtun Hj. A. Karim, Deputy Director find a common ground by bringing tender, then garnished with cara- General of IDFR, directors, and other everyone to the dining table. melized onions and mushrooms. IDFR officials. Subsequently, the presentation of To the participants, it was indeed a The event commenced with opening food began with la mian, a traditional fullfilling and enriching experience to remarks by Mr. Abdilbar Ab Rashid, pulled and stretched Chinese noodle have the opportunity to cook and one of the students who was appoint- with chicken and beef sauces, served taste a wide variety of cuisine in just ed project manager for the luncheon. both hot and cold prepared by the one lunch. However, it was more than In his remarks, Mr. Abdilbar briefly participants who studied Mandarin. just that for them. The food had Then, the participants brought them closer together and to who studied Arabic be able to serve the IDFR family was served five varieties of indeed a privilege. As Alan Wolfelt, an sambusak; beef, chick- American author, once said, “Food is en, cheese, vegetables symbolic of love when words are and apples which had inadequate.” been marinated in Ara- bic spices and deep fried. The guests’ taste buds were further en- 24 bulletin@idfr.gov.my