MEDIA ADVISORY
3rd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE MUSLIM WORLD AND THE WEST: BRIDGING THE GAP
9th – 10th JUNE 2008

 

 

    

Malaysia will be organizing the Third International Conference on the Muslim World and the West: Bridging the Gap in Kuala Lumpur from 9th to 10th of June 2008.

The two-day conference, organized by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, is being held in cooperation with an international multi-faith organization under the Cordoba Initiative, which was founded in 2002 with the objective of healing and improving the relationship between the Islamic World and the West particularly the United States.

This year, the conference themed "From Definition to Action" is expected to be an action-oriented gathering that will focus on two deliverables, i.e., the Kuala Lumpur Accord on Muslim-West Relations and the identification of projects and strategies that could assist in bridging the gap between them.

The Kuala Lumpur Accord on Muslim-West Relations will be defining the list of general problem areas, specific issues and key elements that cause the divide between the Muslims and non-Muslims, and is aimed at creating an international benchmark and roadmap towards bridging the gap.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honorable Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will be officiating the conference by delivering a keynote address on the 9th of July 2008.

International participants at the conference will deliberate on four specific topics, "Improving Muslim World-West Engagement," "Understanding Islam in the Globalised World," "Enhancing Muslim-West Public Diplomacy," and "Preventing Emerging Muslim-West Crises."

The conference, to be closed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim on the 10th of June, is expected to adopt the Kuala Lumpur Accord on Muslim-West Relations.
 
Heads of Governments, world leaders and special representatives are expected to participate in discussions on future cooperation, understanding and harmonizing Islam vis-a -vis the world.

 

 

2.    ACCREDITATION
 
Accreditation is required for journalists/photographers/broadcasters covering the event. Please apply for an application form for accreditation to cover the meeting from Department of Media Relations & Public Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia as attached below.  
 
Each media organization is requested to appoint a representative to coordinate accreditation and accommodation arrangements for its team. Please duplicate the forms if more are required.
 
Accreditation is available to representatives of recognised media organisations assigned to cover the 3rd International Conference on the Muslim World and the West. Media representatives should provide a letter of assignment endorsed by their respective agency with their application.

Foreign media are requested to return their accreditation forms with two-passport size photograph directly to 3rd International Conference on the Muslim World and the West Media Secretariat at the address provided below.

All members of the press corps accompanying Heads of State or Government or Heads of Delegation must complete an application form for accreditation, attaching an official letter from the Government concerned, listing the names of the media representatives with their functional titles and affiliation.

The accreditation forms and official letter should be addressed to the 3rd International Conference on the Muslim World and the West as follows:

MEDIA SECRETARIAT
3rd International Conference on the Muslim World and the West
Department of Media Relations & Public Diplomacy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia
Level 1, Wisma Putra 1, Presint 02
62602 W.P Putrajaya
Malaysia

        Tel        :     03 – 88874253 / 88874262 / 88874470 / 8887 4456

        Fax       :     03 – 88892726

        E-mail   :    sarimah@kln.gov.my, Johan.arief@kln.gov.my

Closing date for the application is 2nd June 2008.
Malaysian and foreign media based in Kuala Lumpur should return their forms to the above media secretariat by 2nd June 2008.
Accreditation badges and information kits will be available at the Media Secretariat at the Shangri-La Hotel. The Accreditation badges must be worn at all times.


3.    ACCOMMODATION
 
Media representatives will be responsible for their own travel arrangements and reservation of hotel accommodation. Members of the media are requested to deal directly with their preferred hotels on the number of rooms required, guest names, arrival and departure dates, rates and payment procedures. List of hotel in the vicinity are as in Annex A


4.    MEDIA PROGRAMME
 
Detailed media programme will be released closer to the 3rd International Conference on the Muslim World and the West. It will also be provided at the Media Secretariat Room.


5.    ENTRY FORMALITIES
 
Visitors must have national passports or other internationally recognised travel documents, endorsed for travelling in Malaysia and with a validity period of at least six (6) months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia. Please be informed that nationals from certain countries may require appropriate visas to enter Malaysia. Please verify the visa requirement from the nearest Malaysian Mission or kindly log on to http://www.kln.gov.my.

All non-resident travellers are required to complete the Travellers' Declaration Form to declare the amount of foreign currency notes and travellers cheques they are carrying upon their arrival and departure.


6.    CUSTOMS CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

Media representatives bringing in equipment into Malaysia should complete the Customs Importation Forms with detailed inventory including model and serial number of the equipment.


7.    MEDICAL
 
Vector surveillance is carried out in all ports and airports to ensure that Malaysia is free from Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. As such, travellers without a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, approved by WHO and administrated at an approved Yellow Fever Vaccinating Centre, will be quarantined upon arrival in Malaysia. Media Representatives whose points of departure for Malaysia are from Latin America or African countries should have a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.


8.    MEDICAL FACILITIES
 
The relevant hospitals in Kuala Lumpur have been alerted to provide outpatient and inpatient services. Ambulance will be provided when necessary to ferry the sick to hospitals. There will be doctors and paramedics to provide immediate emergency services to delegates, participants and media representatives attending the 3rd International Conference on the Muslim World and the West. However, they will be financially responsible for all services beyond the scope of the clinic including:
 
    -     references to medical specialists
    -     diagnostics tests
    -     medical supplies
    -     dental services


9.    INFORMATION
 
Requests for accreditation forms and additional information on media services and facilities should be directed to:
 
The 3rd International Conference on the Muslim World and the West Media Secretariat:
 
General information:

Ms. Sarimah Akbar/ Mr. Francisco Munis/ Mr. Johan Arief

Tel       :    603 – 8887 4253 / 8887 4034/ 8887 4262

Fax      :    603 – 8889 2726

Email   :    sarimah@kln.gov.my, Francisco@kln.gov.my, Johan.arief@kln.gov.my

Accreditation/Registration:

Ms. Avelyn/ Ms. Nurmazlina

Tel        :    603 – 8887 4470/ 8887 4456

Fax       :    603 – 8889 2726

Email    :    Avelyn@kln.gov.my, nurmazlina@kln.gov.my

10.    WEBSITE

Ministry of Foreign Affairs web address    :    http://www.kln.gov.my

Ministry of Information web address         :    http://www.kempen.gov.my

Bernama’s web address                         :    http://www.bernama.com