M'sian PM Meets Counterparts From Vietnam, Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak Monday held separate bilateral meetings with Vietnam's Prime Minister, Nguyen Tan Dung and his Thai counterpart, General Prayut Chan-o-Cha. Both meetings were held on the sidelines of the 26th ASEAN Summit here. In the 15-minute meeting with Dung, Najib extended an invitation to the Vietnamese premier to make an official visit to Malaysia. Both leaders agreed to further enhance existing bilateral relations, hoping to sign a framework on a strategic partnership between both countries, during Dung's visit. Najib and Dung also agreed that the two countries would continue to cooperate on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), including efforts related to domestic issues. On the South China Sea dispute, Malaysia and Vietnam agreed to work together in accordance with the United Nations Convention of Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also present at the meeting was Foreign Minister, Anifah Aman. Najib met earlier with Prayut, with both leaders talking about enhancing bilateral relations in all sectors, including cooperation in the rubber sector and transport. Established on Aug 8, 1967, ASEAN groups Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. -- BERNAMA