Dr Mahathir on two-day official visit to Brunei

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will make a two-day official visit to Brunei today.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Dr Mahathir would be accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and officials from the prime minister’s department and Foreign Ministry.

“This is Dr Mahathir’s second official visit to a Southeast Asian country after Indonesia. It is a part of a series of trips to introduce and establish ties with these countries after he took over the premiership on May 10,” said the statement.

Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is scheduled to have an audience with the prime minister, which would be followed by a luncheon hosted by the sultan. The prime minister is also scheduled to have a gathering with Malaysians in Brunei.

Wisma Putra said the visit would provide opportunities for both leaders to strengthen bilateral ties and existing cooperation. It will also enable Malaysia to highlight the government’s policies and the country’s stand, particularly on issues with mutual benefits.

The visit would see the two leaders exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, said the statement.

After Malaysia’s 14th General Election, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was the first foreign head of state to make a personal visit to Malaysia to congratulate Dr Mahathir as the country’s new prime minister.