Yingluck's Visit To Further Cement Ties With Malaysia

By Jamaluddin Muhammad BANGKOK, Feb 9 (Bernama) -– Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's visit to Malaysia on Feb 20, will further enhance the very good bilateral relations between the two countries. Malaysian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Thailand Nazirah Hussain said Thursday the visit would be more than a mere introductory visit. Yingluck, who took over the country's premiership last August, is scheduled to meet her counterpart, Najib Razak, during the one-day visit. Apart from the bilateral meeting, the two leaders were expected to issue a joint statement at the end of the meeting, she told Bernama after meeting the local and international media fraternity at the Malaysian Embassy here Friday. Prior to the official visit, the two leaders met during the Asean Summit and East Asian Summit in Bali last November. "It will be a very substantive visit in reaffirming the close ties between the two countries," said Nazirah, adding that the relationship between the two neighbours had always been close. Yingluck had initially planned to visit Malaysia on Oct 10, last year but had to postpone it due to the severe floods in the country. Earlier, Nazirah played the 'Malaysian saleswoman' role to about 50 local and international journalists by explaining the Thai-Malaysia relations as well as Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programmes to propel the country towards attaining a developed nation status by 2020. She also touched on the coming general election in Malaysia and its constitutional monarchy system. On the economic front, the ambassador outlined the Thai-Malaysia bilateral trade, investment, tourism and agricultural sectors. She also promoted the forthcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase, the world's largest halal trade fair, Pacific Asia Travel Association conference, Colours of 1Malaysia, Mega sales, Tourism Floral Parade and the latest Malaysian tourist attractions – Johor Premium Outlet and Legoland. -- BERNAMA