Kazakh President Accorded State Welcome

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who arrived last night for a two-day visit to Malaysia, was today accorded a state welcome at Parliament Square, here Wednesday. The Malaysian King Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (front, left) and Prime Minister Najib Razak (back) were on hand to receive Nazarbayev (front, right) who arrived at 9am. Present were Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and cabinet ministers. The national anthems of both countries were then played by the Royal Malay Regiment band followed by the firing of a 14-gun salute. Nazarbayev and delegation were then introduced to the cabinet ministers and members of foreign diplomatic service attending the event. This is Nazarbayev third visit to Malaysia in 16 years, reflecting the strong ties between Malaysia and Kazakhstan. He visited the country 1996 and 2006. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA