KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim describes his visit to Laos as an opportunity for him and his counterpart Dr Sonexay Siphandone to further enhance and strengthen friendship and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
He said the visit also allows positive momentum to be built before Laos assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship from Indonesia next year.
“In addition to meeting the leaders and the Muslim community of Laos, I will also hold a meeting with Malaysians living in this country to share the policies and aspirations of Malaysia MADANI with them.
“Hopefully this visit will benefit both countries,” he said in a Facebook post Monday.
Anwar arrived in Vientiane on Monday for a two-day official visit to Laos to further strengthen bilateral relations and economic cooperation with the ASEAN member state.
Anwar’s maiden visit to the ASEAN member state, after being sworn in as the Prime Minister on Nov 24 last year was at the invitation of Siphandone.
The total trade between Malaysia and Laos surged by 425 per cent from US$48.7 million (RM202.5 million) in 2021 to US$255.6 million (RM1.13 billion) in 2022, mainly contributed by the increase in demand for Malaysia’s electronic products.
Malaysia is Laos’ fourth biggest foreign direct investment (FDI) contributor last year after China, Thailand and Vietnam, mainly in the energy sector, free trade zone, automotive and banking sectors.
Malaysia and Laos have established diplomatic relations since July 1, 1966.
On Monday night, Anwar kicked off his two-day official visit to Laos with an engagement session with leaders of the country’s Muslim organisations here.
Anwar met with Unity Promoting Association executive advisor Zakkir Malimar as well as Islamic Organisations of Laos vice-president Imam Sofi Sengsone and its third vice-president Med Komphavong at a hotel here.
Also present was the assistant to the vice-president, Azizullah Khan Thamahaksa.
The session which began at 8.10 pm lasted for about 40 minutes as they discussed issues of the Ummah.
Zakkir, when met after the closed-door meeting, said among the matters discussed were the translation of the Quran into Lao language, education for Laos Muslim children as well as knowledge and cultural exchange.
“We would like to thank the Prime Minister for coming. We are proud to see somebody of that high-level coming to meet us.
“Alhamdulillah. This is the first time we have received positive feedback from any Muslim country. We are proud to have the Prime Minister here,” he told Malaysian media.
Meanwhile, Azizullah said Anwar was very keen and positive to know about the Muslim community and organisations in Laos.
“He asked us about our situation here. He further asked if there were Quran translations available. He wanted to help even before we asked for any help,” he said.
Also present were Foreign Minister Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Edi Irwan Mahmud.
— NNN-BERNAMA