Malasian PM’s first official visit to Azerbaijan

Malasian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is scheduled for his first official visit to Azerbaijan today at the invitation of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.

Malaysian ambassador to Azerbaijan Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman said the visit would pave the way for closer cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, namely trade and investment.

“Malaysia and Azerbaijan established diplomatic ties in 1995. In 2013, total trade with Azerbaijan amounted to US$18.3 million (RM57.7 million), total exports to Azerbaijan were US$15.3 million while imports from Azerbaijan were US$3 million,” he told Malaysian journalists here on Wednesday.

During the visit, Najib is scheduled to have a four-eyed meeting with Aliyev, which will be followed by a delegation meeting.

“The meetings will provide an excellent opportunity for both leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest, including regional and international issues, and foster cooperation through new ventures to further strengthen bilateral ties between Malaysia and Azerbaijan,” he said.

Najib and Aliyev are expected to sign a joint declaration that outlines the commitment of the two countries to enhance bilateral and economic relations in various fields, he said.

Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, are scheduled to arrive in Baku tonight.

Tomorrow after the official welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace, Najib is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Aliyev.

Later, they will witness the signing of memorandums of understanding and agreement, including on economic, scientific and technical cooperation, in the training of diplomats and between Petronas and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) on cooperation in the oil and gas sectors.

Najib is also scheduled to officiate the establishment of the Malaysian embassy in Baku. Malaysia established its mission here on April 1 this year.

Najib would also personally extend an invitation to Aliyev to make a state visit to Malaysia.

Azerbaijan proclaimed its independence from the then Soviet Union in October 1991.

Bakudaily.Az