CALL TO EXPAND MALAYSIA-KUWAIT ECONOMIC TIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Chee
Leong has proposed that Malaysia and Kuwait encourage more exchanges of
high-level visits and expand bilateral economic ties.

He made the proposal at a meeting with Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Mejren Al-Roumi,
special envoy of Kuwait’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who
called on him here Tuesday.

Lee said the government was pleased with Malaysia's excellent relations with
Kuwait and looked forward to enhancing cooperation in all fields for mutual
benefit, according to a statement issued today by the Foreign Ministry.

The statement said both countries had agreed to look into areas such as
trade and investment, education, tourism, finance and banking, and the "halal"
industry for long-term cooperation.

Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Kuwait amounted to RM2.954 billion
(US$862.3 million) in 2008.

-- BERNAMA