News

  • Nation
  • World Updates
  • Courts
  • Parliament
  • Columnists
  • Opinion
  • Honours List

Published: Sunday October 4, 2009 MYT 3:09:00 PM
Updated: Sunday October 4, 2009 MYT 4:52:03 PM

PM Najib arrives in Paris for 4-day visit

By CHOI TUCK WO


PARIS: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak flew in Sunday for a four-day working visit aimed at forging closer cooperation between the two countries.

The private jet carrying the Malaysian delegation from Dubai touched down at the Le Bourget Airport at 8.52am (2.52pm Malaysian time).

Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were received by Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir and Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi who had arrived earlier.

Malaysian Ambassador to France Datuk S. Thanarajasingam and senior government officials were also present to greet the premier.

The official welcoming ceremony will be held on Tuesday.

Najib being greeted by the Malaysian community upon his arrival at the Four Seasons Hotel.

The entourage later proceeded to the Four Seasons Hotel in the city, where a hectic programme awaits the Prime Minister over the next few days.

Among others, Najib will hold discussions with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Francois Fillon during his first official visit as Prime Minister to France.

He is also scheduled to address the 35th United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) General Conference’s first plenary session on Tuesday.

This is the first time in Malaysia’s 51-year history with Unesco that its Prime Minister has been invited to deliver a keynote speech at the world body’s opening plenary session.

Despite his busy schedule, Najib has found time to meet Malaysian students and attend a 1Malaysia Hari Raya open house at the historic Pavilion Dauphine this evening.

“The thrust of the open house is the 1Malaysia spirit in Paris,” said Thanarajasingam.

More than 700 Malaysians residing, working and studying in France were invited for the event, along with selected French guests representing the French government and the rest of society.

Among the traditional Malaysian cuisine that will be served are satay, char kuay teow, mee soup, roti canai and chicken curry, pulut kuning, rendang and teh tarik.

Two Malaysian chefs – Hasbullah Satani from Maya Hotel and Saiful Helmi from Royal Chulan Hotel – have volunteered their services and specially flown in from Kuala Lumpur to cook the dishes.

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story

News Poll