Mahathir off to southern Africa

Mahathir off to southern Africa

KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad left early yesterday for a week-long visit to South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique, the Bernama national news agency reported.

It said Mahathir, who left for Johannesburg, will hold talks with acting South African President Thabo Mbeki and open Malaysia's new chancery building in Pretoria.

He will also meet Malaysian investors in South Africa, where Malaysia has large investments in property, petroleum development and hoteling, as well as launch a Malaysian food and cultural festival.

Mahathir is to visit Namibia on Saturday for a four-day trip where he is scheduled to deliver a speech at a conference, the Southern Africa International Dialogue '98.