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.