M'SIAN PM ACCORDED GRAND AND WARM WELCOME IN BEIJING

FROM YONG SOO HEONG

BEIJING, June 4 (Bernama) -- Najib Razak was accorded a warm and
grand welcome by his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao at a special welcoming
ceremony on the grounds of the Great Hall of the People adjacent to the famed
Tiananmen Square, here Wednesday.

The Malaysian prime minister was also given the honour of a 19-gun salute in
a colourful ceremony where the flags of both countries fluttered proudly in the
summer breeze as thousands of tourists to the area watched from afar.

The "Jalur Gemilang" (Malaysian Flag) and the Chinese flags were also strung
at strategic places along the main avenue leading to the Great Hall of the
People.

The prime minister, who was accompanied by his wife, Rosmah
Mansor, was driven in a motorcade to the welcoming ceremony. They were greeted
by Wen as they alighted from the limousine at about 5.15 pm.

Wen then introduced Najib to some Chinese government officials before the
Malaysian prime minister introduced the Chinese leader to several Cabinet
ministers and their wives who were present at the welcoming ceremony.

Najib and Wen then took their positions on a specially erected dais before
the national anthems of both countries, "Negara Ku" (My country), Malaysia's
national anthem, and "March of the Volunteers", were played by a military band.

Wen then accompanied Najib for a guard of honour mounted by the joint
services of the Chinese armed forces -- the army, navy and air force.

The ceremony ended with a march past by the armed forces personnel.

-- BERNAMA