MALAYSIAN PM'S VISIT TO FRANCE TO DEEPEN KL-PARIS TIES

By Leslean Arshad

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak
is to set to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual
interest with top French leaders as he sets foot in the Western European country
for his four-day official visit beginning Sunday.

On his first visit to France and Europe since assuming the premiership in
April, Najib will be meeting President Nicolas Sarkozy and his counterpart
Francois Fillon.

The leaders are also expected to exchange views on the global financial
crisis, environment and inter-civilisation during their meetings.

"Discussions with the French leaders will pave the way toward deepening and
strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries," said Wisma Putra
in a statement.

Malaysia and France have developed excellent bilateral relations
encompassing cooperation in many areas such as trade, investment, higher
education, culture, defence, tourism, research and development, training,
transportation and aviation.


Over the years, French investments have made substantial contribution to the
Malaysian economy.

Currently, there are a handful of French companies operating in Malaysia.
Among them are Lafarge (cement), Technip (infrastructure for gas and oil
exploration), Alcatel (telecommunications), Alstom (energy and railway
equipment) and Carrefour (retail).

France is one of Malaysia's key trading partners with bilateral trade in
2008 reaching a total of RM13.91 billion (US$3.98 billion).

While in France, Najib is also scheduled to meet other high-profile
personalities including the Speaker of the National Assembly, Bernard Accoyer
and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) secretary
general Angel Gurria.

Najib will also be attending a breakfast meeting with selected captains of
industry and hosting the 1Malaysia Hari Raya Open House during his stay in
France.

Najib will also be one of the keynote speakers at the 35th United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (Unesco) general conference
on Oct 6.


This is the first time that a Malaysian leader has been invited to deliver a
keynote address at the general conference.

Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry (Wisma Putra) said the invitation
signified the recognition and important role played by Malaysia in supporting
the activities and programmes of Unesco.

Najib will also host a reception for Unesco delegate the same evening.

Malaysia is a long-standing member of Unesco since 1958. The Paris-based
Unesco has 193 members.

Malaysia currently sits on the Unesco executive board. Comprising 58 members
with a four-year term of office, the board meets twice a year to examine the
work programme for the organisation and corresponding budget estimates.

Wisma Putra said accompanying Najib during his visit are his wife Rosmah
Mansor, Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, Deputy International
Trade and Industry Minister Mukhriz Mahathir, Deputy Education Minister Dr
Mohd Puad Zarkashi and senior government officials.

-- BERNAMA