PHNOM PENH: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is in Cambodia for a two-day official visit to further strengthen 65 years of bilateral ties, as well as trade and investment opportunities and people-to-people movement.

       His visit is upon the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Sen.

       Upon arrival at the Phnom Penh International Airport at 5.20pm Malaysian time yesterday, Ismail Sabri was received by Senior Minister of the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Othsman Hassan, representing the Cambodian government.

       Othsman is also in charge of Islamic Affairs.

       Ismail Sabri was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Deputy Minister of Federal Territories Datuk Seri Jalaludin Alias, Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif and senior government officials.

       The Prime Minister also attended a dinner event with Keluarga Malaysia in Cambodia.

       Today, he will begin official events with a visit to the country’s Independent Monument for a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by another wreath-laying event at the Monument of Preah Borom Ratanak Kaudh, the late King-Father of Cambodia, in the same vicinity.

       Ismail Sabri will also be given an official welcoming ceremony with both countries’ national anthems, followed by a march-past salute accompanied by Hun Sen at the Peace Palace Phnom Penh.

       Both leaders will also have a four-eyed meeting to discuss bilateral ties, regional issues, as well as cooperation at the international level.

       The Prime Minister will also pay a courtesy call to His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia, at the Royal Palace before departing for Bangkok, Thailand.

       Malaysia is the third largest investor in Cambodia with foreign direct investment worth US$3.53bil between 1994 and 2020, just behind China and South Korea.

       Malaysia’s investments are mainly in the banking, telecommunications, power generation and entertainment sectors.

       Among the Malaysian companies here are Maybank, CIMB Bank, Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank, Smart Axiata, Muhibbah Engineering, Sunway International, as well as Nagaworld and Leader.

       There are also about 5,000 Malaysians residing in Cambodia, of whom 2,000 are based in the capital.

       Cambodia is the host for Asean 2022 and the fourth neighbouring country that Ismail Sabri is visiting after being sworn in as Malaysia’s ninth premier on Aug 21 last year.

       Meanwhile, during his official visit to Thailand, Ismail Sabri will hold talks with Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha.

       The talks will be an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the way forward in strengthening the multifaceted ties between both countries.

       “Focus areas include economic cooperation, post Covid-19 cooperation, reopening of borders and key connectivity projects crossing the land borders,” Wisma Putra said in a statement.

       Ismail Sabri’s programme will also include a session with the Malaysia-Thai Chamber of Commerce and a session with Malaysians in Bangkok.

       The official visits are being conducted in compliance with strict Covid-19 standard operating procedures put in place in Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand.

       Earlier, he visited Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei. — Bernama