Malaysian DPM Makes Working Visit To Washington DC

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will make a working visit to Washington DC from Tuesday until Oct 13, to sign the Homeland Security Presidential Directive No 6 (HSPD-6). HSPD-6 was among the statutory requirements for Malaysia and the United States' Visa Waiver programme, said a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry Tuesday. During the visit, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to meet Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson as well as other senior members of the United States (US) administration. "The visit would afford the opportunity for both sides to further strengthen bilateral relations, including security cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism, trafficking in persons and immigration related matters," said the statement. During the working visit, the deputy prime minister will be accompanied by his wife Hamidah Khamis and officials from the Foreign Ministry and Home Ministry. Malaysia and US continue to enjoy close and cordial bilateral relations in key areas of cooperation, including politics, economy, defence and security. For the period of Jan to July 2015, the total bilateral trade between the two countries is US$19.35 billion, an increase of 6.2 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. Malaysia's total trade with the US in 2014 grew 7.4 per cent to US$35.7 billion compared with US$34.5 billion in the previous year. -- BERNAMA