Malaysia's Mahathir begins state visit to Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Sept 2 (AP) Malaysia's prime minister arrived in Cambodia on Monday to strengthen ties and witness the signing of several agreements. Mahathir Mohamad will meet with Cambodian leader Hun Sen on Tuesday to discuss cooperation and exchange views on regional and international affairs, the Cambodian Foreign Ministry said.

The two men will also witness the signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement and a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation, Malaysian state news agency Bernama reported. On Monday afternoon, Mahathir gave a talk on international relations at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

The Malaysian leader also plans appearances with Malaysian expatriates and businesses in Cambodia during his three-day visit. The Council for the Development of Cambodia, a government agency that oversees investment, says Malaysia has been the fifth largest foreign investor in Cambodia over the last five years.

It says Cambodia received USD 481 million in investment from Malaysia during the 2014-2018 period, and that two-way trade last year reached USD 474 million. (AP) SCY SCY