Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister in city to discuss Rohingya issue

Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived here on Sunday morning on a two-day visit to discuss bilateral and Rohingya issues.

This visit reflects Malaysia's ‘concern and seriousness’ on the Rohingya issue in general, said an official.

Secretary (Bilateral and Consular) Kamrul Ahsan and Malaysian High Commissioner in Dhaka Nur Ashikin Binti Mohd Taib received the Deputy Prime Minister at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:30 am, a senior Foreign Ministry official told UNB.

Zahid Hamidi will have a meeting with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at 6:30 pm on Sunday at state guesthouse Padma.

The Foreign Minister will host dinner in honour of the Malaysian Deputy PM after the meeting. 

This is Zahid Hamidi's first visit to Bangladesh since assuming office as the Deputy Prime Minister in 2015.

Hamidi is accompanied by his spouse Hamidah binti Khamis; Minister of Human Resources Dr Richard Riot Anak Jaem and senior officials of the government of Malaysia.

He is expected to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and relevant ministers to take stock of the existing bilateral relations and explore new areas of cooperation that are mutually beneficial to both countries, according to a statement UNB obtained from Malaysian Foreign Ministry on Friday.

Apart from the bilateral meetings, Zahid Hamidi will also travel to Cox’s Bazar on Monday to witness the Rohingyas. 

Malaysia is optimistic that this visit will further strengthen the existing friendly ties between Malaysia and Bangladesh not only in the areas of bilateral cooperation but also on regional and international issues.

He will leave for Kuala Lumpur from Cox's Bazar on Monday through a special flight. 

Source: unb