Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday hosted an official luncheon at the Seri Perdana Complex, Putrajaya in honour of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and his visiting delegation.

A brief cultural programme was held on the occasion, featuring performances by international artistes, including Bangla songs and traditional dances.

Earlier, two leaders had a "substantive and productive" meeting and discussed issues like labour, investment, trade cooperation, ASEAN, Rohingya crisis, and a host of other issues of bilateral interest.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a long-time friend of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been a steadfast supporter of Bangladesh and its development initiatives.

Prof Yunus is paying a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Malaysian Prime Minister.

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The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and foster stronger cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, building upon the strong foundation established since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, officials said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam are, among others, accompanying the Chief Adviser.

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman and Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) President Shabbir A Khan were also present.