Malaysia's DPM Zahid Arrives In Canberra For Three-Day Working Visit To Australia

CANBERRA, May 8 (Bernama) – Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived here Sunday night for a three-day working visit to Australia. The executive jet carrying Ahmad Zahid touched down at the Defence Establishment Fairbairn Airbase in Canberra at 12 midnight (Malaysian time 9.30pm). The deputy prime minister, accompanied by deputy Home minister Masir Kujat, was greeted on arrival by Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia Zainal Abidin Ahmad and Malaysian High Commission staff. The visit was upon the invitation of Australia's Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton while Ahmad Zahid who is also Home Minister is expected to pay a courtesy call on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull at the Parliament House here on Monday. Ahmad Zahid will also be meeting Australia’s Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan. The working visit by the deputy prime minister to Australia will focus on further strengthening bilateral relations on matters related to security, counter-terrorism and transnational crimes. Ahmad Zahid will also exchange views with Aussie leaders on regional and international issues of mutual interest. On Tuesday, Zahid flies to Sydney, where he will meet the Governor of New South Wales, David Hurley and visit the Australian Border Force College, followed by a dinner with Malaysian students before departing to Kuala Lumpur. -- BERNAMA