18/09/2012 (Bernama) - About 60 Malaysians living in this Romanian city had a meaningful celebration in conjunction with the 49th anniversary of Malaysia Day here, Sunday.

Malaysian Ambassador to Romania Datuk Nik Mustafa Kamal Nik Ahmad hosted the event while Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, currently on an eight-day palm oil promotion mission to France and Romania was the guest of honour.

The Malaysian delegation included Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) chairman Datuk Lee Yeow Chor, its chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Yusof Basiron and MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Choo Yuen May.

Among others who attended the event were representatives of the diplomatic corps, Malaysian business community in the city and Malaysian students.

Dompok said Malaysia Day was a significant day, especially towards the East Malaysian community as the government works towards achieving develop nation status by 2020.

"With the Government Transformation Programme, Malaysia will be able to achieve its goal in 2020," he said in his welcoming remark here Monday.

He said Malaysia had a lot to offer, especially commodities, for east European countries.

Dompok hoped that the promotion trip would further enhance business relationships that would drive the nation forward.

Meanwhile, a Malaysian Geologist Francis Ho, 39 from Sibu, Sarawak said he was proud to attend the event here.

"To be a Malaysian, I am proud that the Malaysia Day celebration was held every year here without fail and this reflects the importance and significance of the day," he told Bernama when met here.