MALAYSIA-AUSTRALIA WANT TO INCREASE BILATERAL COOPERATION

From Mikhail Raj Abdullah

LIMA (Peru), Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Australia will implement a
scheduled framework for bilateral cooperation that is stronger and substantive
next year, said Foreign Minister Dr Rais Yatim.

"We will discuss the possibility of implementing a cooperation
framework
according to schedule at our meeting in April aimed at strengthening bilateral
ties," he told reporters after a bilateral meeting with his Australian
counterpart Stephen Smith here on Wednesday.

The April meeting would be held in Kuala Lumpur.

"They had requested for a scheduled cooperation as Malaysia is held in high
regard among Asean countries," he added.

The two ministers are in the Peruvian capital for the Asia-Pacific Economic

Cooperation (Apec) ministers meeting ahead of the leaders summit over the
weekend.

Deputy Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak will arrive on
Thursday to attend the Apec leaders summit.

Dr Rais said Malaysia would hold scheduled meetings with Singapore,
Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam and Middle East countries but not
Australia.

"For example, we can hold diplomatic training with Australia in the years
to
come," he added.

Malaysia and Australia also agreed to hold programmes involving welfare,
training, and students of both countries.

Dr Rais said Canberra was also waiting for a visit by the Malaysian Prime
Minister to Australia which would be made after March next year.

-- BERNAMA