MALAYSIAN FM'S MAIDEN WORKING VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Foreign Minister Dr Rais Yatim is on his maiden working visit to Australia beginning Saturday, to strengthen existing bilateral relations between both countries.

During the three-day visit, Rais will meet his counterpart, Stephen Smith,
to discuss the progress of various initiatives agreed upon by the two countries
during Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's official visit to Malaysia last year.

"Discussions will also include two-way cooperation and the establishment of
a mechanism for both foreign ministers to regularly meet, and the creation of
training programmes for Malaysian and Australian diplomats," the ministry said
in a statement Friday.

Rais will also discuss the tragic bushfires in Victoria and convey
condolences from Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to the government and
Australians.

During the visit, both ministers will exchange views on issues affecting the
world, including the global financial crisis and Israeli aggression in Gaza.

The visit will also see Rais meet and interact with Malaysian students in
Australia, and update them on current events in Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA