Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya on Monday, as he began his first official bilateral visit to Malaysia, aimed at deepening the longstanding ties between the two countries.

Tarique arrived at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office at 9am and was received by his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim.

The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of Bangladesh and Malaysia, followed by an inspection of a guard of honour mounted by three officers and 103 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment under the command of Major Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by several Malaysian dignitaries, including Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Cabinet members, foreign diplomats and senior government officials.

Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Tarique signed the official guest book before holding a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Anwar.

The two leaders later led a bilateral meeting involving senior ministers and officials of both countries, where they discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas including trade and investment, human resource development, semiconductor industry, energy, agriculture and education.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During the visit, the two prime ministers are scheduled to witness the signing and exchange of several documents, including a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural cooperation and two Exchanges of Notes on counter-terrorism research and investment promotion and facilitation.

Anwar is also set to host an official luncheon in honour of Prime Minister Tarique and his delegation.

Prime Minister Tarique is accompanied by his spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and other senior government officials.