PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi begins his working visit to Australia today, at the invitation of Australian Immigration and Border Protection Minister, Peter Dutton.
It is Zahid's first working visit to the nation since assuming office in July 2015.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said Zahid, whose visit ends on May 10, will be accompanied by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Masir Kujat and senior government officials from relevant ministries.
In Canberra, the Deputy Prime Minister is expected to pay a courtesy call on Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull and Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan.
Zahid will then move on to Sydney, where his itinerary includes paying a courtesy call on New South Wales Governor, David Hurley, visiting the Australian Border Force College, and meeting Malaysian students.
The working visit will focus on further strengthening bilateral relations on matters related to security, counter-terrorism, and transnational crimes.
Zahid will also exchange views with Australian leaders on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
In 2016, total trade between Malaysia and Australia amounted to US$10.2 billion (RM42.35 billion).
From Jan to Feb this year, total trade increased by 38 per cent to US$1.98 billion (RM8.84 billion) compared to the same period last year.
Malaysia’s investments in Australia stand at RM1.02 billion, while Australia’s investments in Malaysia amount to RM812.58 million for the period of Jan to Sep 2016.