From Sharifah Nur Shahrizad Syed Mohamed SharerABU DHABI, May 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from May 17-19 is expected to pave the way for new opportunities for collaboration in bilateral ties, including in the education, tourism, trade and investment sectors between Malaysia and the West Asian oil producer.
Malaysian ambassador to UAE, Datuk Ahmad Anwar Adnan said the visit of Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor to Abu Dhabi would also open up opportunities for the two countries to exchange views on the regional political and economic development in the Middle East and Gulf countries.
"The visit will enhance Malaysia-UAE bilateral relationship that is already established," he told Malaysian journalists here Friday.
Najib's three-day visit was at the invitation of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Zayed Al Nahyan.
The UAE is one of Malaysia's main trade partners in the Middle East and last year's bilateral trade between the two countries recorded RM27.7 billion, an increase of 11.7 per cent compared to RM24.8 billion the previous year.
Najib is expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi tomorrow and will be accorded an official welcome at the Mushrif Palace on Sunday morning before taking part in a four-eyed meeting with the Crown Prince.
"The official welcome accorded to the prime minister is a tribute because the Mushrif Palace is opened only to certain world leaders," said Ahmad Anwar.
Also joining the trip are Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh and several senior government officers.
The prime minister is also expected to have a meeting with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai.
Ahmad Anwar said the highlight of Najib's visit is the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) ceremony between 1Malaysia Development Bhd and Awqaf, an Abu Dhubai authority in Islamic affairs.
He said the MoU was expected to include the construction of a mosque, Islamic resource centre and Permata activites, child care and early education fund, which was the brainchild of Rosmah.
Najib and Sheikh Mohammed will also witness the execution of further collaboration between Malaysia and Abu Dhabi partners in the field of education and tourism.
Najib is also scheduled to witness an MoU signing between Felda and Lulu International Group based in Abu Dhabi pertaining to the setting up of the Lulu hypermarket in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Rosmah has a separate itinerary, including a visit to the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre and a courtesy call on Abu Dhabi Women Association President, Sheikha Fatima Mubarak in Sea Palace.
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