Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was accorded a warm red-carpet welcome by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday as the two countries moved to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, labour migration and other key sectors.
Anwar Ibrahim and his spouse, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, warmly received the Bangladesh premier and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, at Perdana Putra, the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya, around 9:00am local time (7:00am Bangladesh time), reports BSS.
Both leaders, accompanied by their spouses, proceeded through the red carpet to the dais to receive the guard of honour. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Malaysian Armed Forces presented a guard of honour.
The national anthem of Bangladesh was played first followed by the Malaysian national anthem.
After the guard of honour inspection, Anwar Ibrahim introduced members of his cabinet and senior government officials to the Bangladesh Prime Minister. Tarique Rahman, in turn, introduced the members of his delegation to his Malaysian counterpart.
The Bangladesh Prime Minister later signed the visitors' book at Perdana Putra before proceeding to official engagements.
The welcoming ceremony marked the beginning of Tarique Rahman's official engagement abroad since assuming office and underscored the importance both countries attach to their long-standing friendship and growing partnership.
The atmosphere around Putrajaya reflected the significance of the visit.
Bangladeshi and Malaysian national flags lined both sides of the wide boulevard leading to Perdana Putra, creating a colourful display ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival.
The iconic administrative complex, located about 28 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur, was adorned with the flags of both countries. Around Putrajaya Square and the grounds of Perdana Putra, the red and green flag of Bangladesh flew alongside Malaysia's national flag.
The majestic Perdana Putra building, known for its blend of Malay, Islamic-Mughal and European architectural styles and its distinctive green dome, provided a fitting backdrop for the high-level visit.
Malaysia Madani Square in front of the Prime Minister's Office was also prepared for the ceremony, highlighting the warm hospitality extended to the visiting Bangladeshi premier.
Following the welcoming ceremony, Tarique Rahman and Anwar Ibrahim will hold a one-on-one meeting before leading delegation-level talks involving ministers and senior officials from both countries.
Both leaders are expected to take stock of the progress of Bangladesh-Malaysia bilateral relations and explore opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in key sectors, including trade and investment, human resource management, semiconductor, energy, agriculture, and education, while also exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Following the bilateral talks, the two leaders will witness the exchange of one Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation as well as two Exchange of Notes (EoN) in the field of counter-terrorism research and in the field of investment promotion and facilitation, said the Malaysian Foreign Ministry.
Besides, the two leaders are expected to address a joint press conference outlining the outcomes of the visit and future areas of cooperation.
In honour of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a state luncheon will be hosted by Anwar Ibrahim at his official residence, the Seri Perdana Complex, in Putrajaya.
To welcome the Bangladesh premier and his spouse at the Seri Perdana Complex, live drum performances and live dance performances will be displayed. Around 60 children are expected to welcome guests while carrying the national flags of Bangladesh and Malaysia.
The Prime Minister arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday night at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim.
