PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will be making inaugural official visits to Cambodia and Thailand from Wednesday (Feb 23).

       The visits were undertaken at the invitation of the Cambodia and Thai Prime Ministers.

       During the visit to Cambodia on Wednesday and Thursday (Feb 24), the Prime Minister is scheduled to have a royal audience with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamona as well as holding a meeting with Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

       A statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Wednesday said that both leaders will discuss initiatives to further strengthen Malaysia and Cambodia's long-standing relations, including post-Covid-19 cooperation, Asean cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

       Ismail Sabri is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with the Cambodian Senate president Say Chhum and Heng Samrin, the president of the National Assembly.

       In a separate session, Ismail Sabri will also meet with members of the 'Malaysian Family' in Cambodia.

       Meanwhile, during the visit to Thailand from Thursday to Saturday (Feb 26), Ismail Sabri will hold a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha.

       “The meeting will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the way forward in strengthening the multifaceted cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand.

       “Focus areas include economic cooperation, post-Covid19 cooperation, reopening of borders, and key connectivity projects crossing the land borders,” Wisma Putra's statement read.

       Ismail Sabri will also hold a session with the Malaysia-Thailand Chamber of Commerce (MTCC) and a session with the Malaysian Family in Bangkok.

       “The high level visits by the Prime Minister to Cambodia and Thailand reflect the friendly and comprehensive ties Malaysia has with both neighbours bilaterally and in the framework of the Asean family.

       “The visits will afford the opportunity for Malaysia and the respective countries to explore joint initiatives in post-pandemic recovery efforts, as well as in addressing regional and international challenges,” it read.

       Ismail Sabri will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, Risda chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif, as well as senior government officials.

       The official visits will be conducted in accordance with the strict Covid-19 preventative standard operating procedures in place in Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand.