PM arrives in Kyrgyz Republic

BISHKEK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived here for a two-day official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic.

The special aircraft carrying the Prime Minister landed at Manas International Airport at 10.20 pm local time (12.20 am Malaysian time) on Tuesday (May 14).

Upon arrival, Anwar was greeted by his counterpart, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Akylbek Zhaparov, and the Malaysian Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Ilham Tuah Illias.

The Kyrgyz Republic is the first stop of Anwar’s visit to three Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Anwar's visit to the landlocked country, according to the Foreign Ministry, is at the invitation of the Kyrgyz Republic's President, Sadyr Zhaparov.

During his visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, the Prime Minister will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.

Today, the Prime Minister is scheduled to begin his visit by attending a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ata-Beyit memorial before departing for the Ala Archa State Residence for a guard of honour ceremony, followed by a one-on-one meeting with Sadyr Zhaparov.

Both leaders are also expected to sign a joint statement and hold a press conference before Anwar heads for a meeting with Akylbek Zhaparov.

On the second day, Anwar will start with a tour and cultural event at the Ala Archa National Park before departing for Kazakhstan. - BERNAMA