SEPANG: The Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh Dr Muhammad Yunus has arrived in Malaysia for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The commercial aircraft carrying Yunus and his delegation landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at 7.47pm on Monday (Aug 11).
They were then welcomed by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail at KLIA's Bunga Raya Complex.
Yunus then inspected a guard of honour consisting of 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Captain Mohd Masrur Hidayat Masri.
According to Wisma Putra, the visit of Yunus who is accompanied by several advisers and senior government officials, reciprocates Anwar's official trip to Bangladesh in October 2024.
On Tuesday (Aug 12), Yunus will be accorded an official welcome ceremony at Perdana Putra Complex, followed by a bilateral meeting with Anwar.
Both leaders are expected to review the progress of Malaysia-Bangladesh relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, labour, education, tourism and defence. The discussions will also include regional and international developments of mutual interest.
During the visit, Anwar and Yunus will witness the exchange of several memoranda of understanding in the fields of defence, energy, strategic and international studies, capacity building in semiconductors, and trade promotion.
An exchange of notes will also be signed in the areas of diplomatic training and higher education.
Wisma Putra said in honour of Yunus and his delegation, the Prime Minister will host an official luncheon at Seri Perdana Complex.
Yunus is also scheduled to deliver a public lecture on Wednesday and be conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Business by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
He will also attend a session with members of the Yunus Social Business Centre community and the university network, in a programme jointly organised by UKM.
In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh reached RM13.35bil (US$2.92bil), an increase of 5.1% compared with 2023.
Bangladesh is Malaysia's second-largest trading partner and export destination in South Asia. Major Malaysian exports to Bangladesh include petroleum products, palm oil and chemicals, while imports comprise textiles, footwear, petroleum products and manufactures.
It said 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 diplomatic ties were forged in 1972. – Bernama
