Malaysian PM arrives in Chennai, begins India tour

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak arrived here on Thursday on a six-day visit to the country.

On arrival, Najib, his wife Rosmah Mansor and the Malaysian delegation were welcomed by the High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, Hidayat Abdul Hamid, Malaysia's Consul-General in Chennai, Ahmad Fajarazam Abdul Jalil, and Tamil Nadu government Principal Secretary Shiv Das Meena.

The Malaysian Prime Minister later drove to ITC Grand Chola Hotel here, where he was received by Malaysian ministers and officials. In the evening, Najib was hosted a reception at Raj Bhavan by Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Speaker P Dhanapal also attended the reception. Najib's visit, from March 30 to April 4, is aimed at taking forward the close political and economic ties between the two countries. On Friday, Najib is scheduled to attend a business meeting organised by The Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry followed by a meeting with the Malaysian community as well as students here.

He is also expected to perform Friday prayers at the Anjuman mosque before leaving for New Delhi. During his stay in the national capital, Najib, apart from bilateral meetings, will hold interactions with leaders and captains of industry from major business houses of India.