Warm reception: Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah with Steinmeier and Budenbender during the welcoming ceremony at Parliament Square in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is on a three-day visit to Malaysia, was accorded a state welcoming ceremony at Parliament Square here.
Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender were received upon arrival yesterday by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as well as Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The welcoming ceremony began with a performance of the national anthems of Germany and Malaysia by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) from Sungai Besi Camp followed by a 21-gun salute.
The German President later inspected a guard of honour which was mounted by four officers and 103 men of various ranks from the First Battalion of RAMD and headed by Major Adibadiuezshah Ahmad.
On Thursday, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Steinmeier’s visit would provide the best opportunity for Malaysia and Germany to strengthen ties and cooperation in various fields. — Bernama
