MALAYSIAN KING ATTENDS THAI ROYAL BANQUET

From Suriati Sidek Ahmad

BANGKOK, March 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian KIng Tuanku Mizan Zainal
Abidin and his consort Tuanku Nur Zahirah attended a royal banquet hosted by
King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand here Monday night.

Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur Zahirah were greeted on arrival at the Grand
Palace by Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
while the national anthems of both countries were being played.

In his welcoming speech, King Bhumibol said he was confident that
the friendly cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand would continue to yield
benefits for both countries.

King Bhumibol said Malaysia and Thailand were neighbours long blessed with
the closest ties of friendship based on the solid foundation of independence,
freedom, sincerity and equality.

"Such a relationship has contributed greatly to our mutual understanding and
cooperation at all levels in various fields of endeavour," he said.

Tuanku Mizan said although diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Thailand
spanned over 52 years, it had not truly reflected the close bond of friendship
and family ties between the Malays and Thais.

"As such, the relationship has to be further strengthened through the
exchange of visits between the royal families, political leaders,
businessmen and the ordinary people of both countries," he said.

Tuanku Mizan said Malaysia was happy to note that political stability had
returned to Thailand and that it had undertaken economic measures in facing the
global financial crisis.

Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur Zahirah arrived here at 3.25pm today for a
four-day state visit to Thailand at the invitation of King Bhumibol.

Thailand is the third Asean country visited by Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur
Zahirah after Laos and Cambodia.
-- BERNAMA
RT