S. African Mbeki visits Malaysia

S. African Mbeki visits Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): South African deputy president Thabo Mbeki
arrives today for a one-day visit to strengthen bilateral ties,
foreign ministry officials said yesterday.

Mbeki is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and
his deputy Anwar Ibrahim as well as attend briefings at the
Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister's department.

Mbeki, who is to be accompanied by deputy foreign minister
Aziz Pahad and other officials, would also be briefed on the
housing industry in Malaysia, officials said.

Trade between South Africa and Malaysia in the first nine
months of last year amounted to 400 million ringgit (US$160
million), with the trade balance in Malaysia's favor.