Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus Arrives In Malaysia For Official Visit

SEPANG, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- The Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh Dr Muhammad Yunus arrived in Malaysia today to begin a three-day official visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The commercial aircraft carrying Yunus and his delegation landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at 7.47 pm.

They were then welcomed by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail at the Bunga Raya Complex of KLIA.   

Yunus then inspected a guard of honour consisting of 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Captain Mohd Masrur Hidayat Masri.

According to Wisma Putra, the visit of Yunus who is accompanied by several advisers and senior government officials, reciprocates Anwar’s official trip to Bangladesh in October 2024. 

Tomorrow, Yunus will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony at Perdana Putra Complex, followed by a bilateral meeting with Anwar.

Both leaders are expected to review the progress of Malaysia–Bangladesh relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, labour, education, tourism and defence. The discussions will also include regional and international developments of mutual interest.

During the visit, Anwar and Yunus will witness the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of defence, energy, strategic and international studies, capacity building in semiconductors, and trade promotion.

An Exchange of Notes will also be signed in the areas of diplomatic training and higher education.

Wisma Putra said in honour of Yunus and his delegation, the prime minister will host an official luncheon at Seri Perdana Complex.

Yunus is also scheduled to deliver a public lecture on Wednesday and be conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Business by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

The Chief Adviser will also attend a session with members of the Yunus Social Business Centre community and the university network, in a programme jointly organised by UKM.

In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh reached RM13.35 billion (US$2.92 billion), an increase of 5.1 per cent compared with 2023.

Bangladesh is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner and export destination in South Asia. Major Malaysian exports to Bangladesh include petroleum products, palm oil and chemicals, while imports comprise textiles, footwear, petroleum products and manufactures.

It said the visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and foster stronger cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, building upon the strong foundation established since diplomatic ties were forged in 1972. 

-- BERNAMA