French president's visit coincides with anniversary of diplomatic relations

KUALA LUMPUR: French President Francois Hollande's state visit to Malaysia tomorrow is timely as it also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said Hollande's first visit to Malaysia will cover a broad range of areas, including defence, trade, investment, education and culture.
"Topics of discussion that will be highlighted with President Hollande during this state visit among others, are cooperation in defence, counter terrorism and trade.
"Both leaders will also discuss existing cooperation between Malaysia and France, as well as explore potential avenues of the future," Reezal said during a press conference held at Parliament's media centre here today.
France is Malaysia's fourth largest trading partner within the European Union countries.
Trade between the two countries saw an increase of 6.3% in 2016 from the previous year, and currently stands at RM15.23 billion.
Hollande's visit is the second presidential-level visit from France to Malaysia after President Jacques Chirac's visit in July 2003.
This visit is part of Hollande's first visit to the Asean region, which includes state visits to Singapore and Indonesia.