Mahathir arrives in East Timor

Mahathir arrives in East Timor

EAST TIMOR: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad arrived in East Timor late on Wednesday leading a high-level delegation of ministers and business executives.

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri and foreign minister Jose Ramos- Horta welcomed Mahathir and his wife at Dili international airport.

"I hope East Timor can have good cooperation with Malaysia and together we can develop East Timor," said the Malaysian leader, who steps down on Oct. 31 after 22 years in power.

Alkatiri said Malaysia had pledged assistance for East Timor's fledgling army in addition to business opportunities.

His office said in a statement that the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and to discuss technical cooperation and investment opportunities. -- AFP