Bishop: Australia will back reformation agenda

KUALA LUMPUR: The Australian Government is committed to supporting the reformation agenda that will be implemented by Malaysia’s new government, said Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop.

Bishop said the support would include Malaysia’s reformation agenda on economy, social and policies, which could strengthen ties between the two countries.

Here on a three-day working visit, Bishop said she felt ecstatic to be in Malaysia after the change of government.

“Malaysia has gone through a historic election process and the Australian government will move forward with the new government.

“We will continue our bilateral cooperation as well as on regional and international issues involving common interests,” Bishop said after meeting Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at the Parliament building here yesterday.

Besides Dr Wan Azizah, Bishop is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and Attorney-General Tommy Thomas. She will also visit the Monash University in Bandar Sunway in conjunction with its 20th anniversary celebration in Malaysia.

Dr Wan Azizah said Bishop’s visit would open opportunities for both sides to explore and strengthen strategic partnerships in fields including trade and investment.