United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim began a one-on-one meeting on Monday morning in Putrajaya to further strengthen the close relations between the two countries and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The closed-door meeting began around 9:30am local time at Perdana Putra, the office of the Malaysian Prime Minister. "The two prime ministers are holding a one-on-one meeting," said Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Additional Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. The meeting marks Tarique Rahman's first official bilateral engagement with a foreign head of government since taking office and is a key event of his maiden overseas visit as prime minister. Following the one-on-one meeting, bilateral talks between the two countries will begin, with the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and Malaysia leading their respective delegations. The Bangladesh delegation includes Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, State Minister for Power and Energy Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Finance and Planning Affairs Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and other senior officials. According to Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, the discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, energy, the halal economy, manpower recruitment, the semiconductor industry, agriculture, education and people-to-people connectivity.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was accorded a warm red-carpet welcome by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday as the two countries moved to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, labour migration and other key sectors. Anwar Ibrahim and his spouse, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, warmly received the Bangladesh premier and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, at Perdana Putra, the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya, around 9:00am local time (7:00am Bangladesh time). Both leaders, accompanied by their spouses, proceeded through the red carpet to the dais to receive the guard of honour. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Malaysian Armed Forces presented a guard of honour. The national anthem of Bangladesh was played first followed by the Malaysian national anthem. After the guard of honour inspection, Anwar Ibrahim introduced members of his cabinet and senior government officials to the Bangladesh Prime Minister. Tarique Rahman, in turn, introduced the members of his delegation to his Malaysian counterpart. The Bangladesh Prime Minister later signed the visitors' book at Perdana Putra before proceeding to official engagements. The welcoming ceremony marked the beginning of Tarique Rahman's official engagement abroad since assuming office and underscored the importance both countries attach to their long-standing friendship and growing partnership. The atmosphere around Putrajaya reflected the significance of the visit. Bangladeshi and Malaysian national flags lined both sides of the wide boulevard leading to Perdana Putra, creating a colourful display ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival.