Malaysian PM in India
NEW DELHI (AP) - Expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation were on the agenda for talks Monday between visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh.
"I seek to deepen and expand bilateral relations between Malaysia and India,'' Abdullah told reporters in brief comments after a ceremonial welcome at New Delhi's pink sandstone presidential palace.
 Malaysian PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi shakes hands with Indian PM Manmohan Singh, right, during a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi Monday. - APpic |
During his five-day visit, Abdullah said, both sides will discuss "all areas'' of cooperation between the two countries.
Talks will focus on the war in Iraq, issues of regional and international security, efforts to reform the United Nations, and bilateral trade relations, an Indian official said on condition of anonymity.
Malaysia is India's largest trading partner among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, with bilateral trade projected to cross US$4 billion (euro3 billion) this year, said a statement by India's External Affairs Ministry.
 Malaysian PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi inspects a guard of honor during a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi. - APpic |
Abdullah, who is accompanied by several ministers, senior officials and a large Malaysian business delegation, also was scheduled to address a meeting with Indian business leaders on Monday.
He also will visit the legendary Taj Mahal monument in Agra and then travel to Bangalore, India's booming information technology hub.
Abdullah's visit also assumes importance as India is trying to forge a free trade agreement with ASEAN countries and Malaysia will be assuming the chairmanship of the grouping next year, the official said.
The ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. - AP
For Malaysian PM's visit to India from The Statesman, a partner of Asia News Network, click here
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