malaysian news on Mahathir's visit

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New Straits Times Tuesday, March 10, 1998

Dr M holds talks on regional issues with Myanmar leader

Tuesday, March 10, 1998

YANGON, Mon - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad held talks
today with Myanmar leader Senior General Than Shwe on regional issues
including the use of Asean currencies for intra-Asean trade.

According to a Bernama report, Dr Mahathir, who advocated the "Asean
currency for trade" plan as a means of mitigating the impact of the rising
US dollar on the region's economies, raised the matter during discussions
between the Malaysian and Myanmar delegations at Parliament House. 

The Prime Minister, who arrived here earlier in the day for a two-day
official visit to Myanmar, has already visited several other Asean capitals
to garner support for the plan.

Asean groups Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, the
Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Officials said the delegations also discussed barter trade and the Myanmar
illegal immigrant problem.

Dr Mahathir also witnessed the signing of the avoidance of double taxation
agreement and a memorandum of understanding on abolition of visa for
diplomatic and official passport holders.

The two documents were signed by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Myanmar counterpart Ohn Gyaw.

The Prime Minister also planted a tree at the People's Park to mark the
visit, aimed at improving bilateral relations and regional solidarity.

Tonight, Gen Than Shwe, who is Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council, hosted a dinner for Dr Mahathir and his delegation.

Gen Than Shwe was on hand to receive Dr Mahathir on his arrival for his
first trip to Myanmar since it became an Asean member last year.

Hundreds of flag-waving children also gave Dr Mahathir, accompanied by his
wife Datin Seri Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, a rousing welcome.

Dr Mahathir last visited Myanmar in 1988 as a guest of then Prime Minister
Maung Maung Kha. 

===================

The Star Tuesday, March 10, 1998

Malaysia and Myanmar ink tax agreement

By Ng Poh Tip 

YANGON: Malaysia and Myanmar have signed an agreement on the avoidance of
double taxation and a memorandum of understanding on visa exemption for
holders of diplomatic and official passports. 

Officials from the two countries also talked about new areas of bilateral
cooperation as well as barter trade and the Myanmar illegal immigrant
problem in Malaysia. 

The avoidance of double-taxation agreement and MOU on visa exemption were
signed by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and
his Myanmar counterpart, Ohn Gyaw. 

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad was given a 19-gun
salute on arrival at the Yangon International Airport yesterday for a
two-day official visit to Myanmar. 

On hand to receive him were Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC) Senior General Than Shwe, members of the SPDC, Malaysian
Ambassador Datuk Abdul Wahab Harun, embassy staff and hundreds of
schoolchildren waving Myanmar and Malaysian flags. 

After inspecting a guard-of-honour mounted by the armed forces, Dr Mahathir
proceeded to the Sein Le Kantha State Guest House, accompanied by Senior
General Than Shwe, who is also Myanmar Prime Minister. 

At the Guest House, the Prime Minister and his wife, Datin Seri Dr Siti
Hasmah Mohd Ali, received a courtesy call from SPDC Secretary 1 Lt-General
Khin Nyunt and his wife. 

The leaders held discussions which covered the financial and economic
situation in the region, including the use of Asean currencies for
intra-Asean trade. 

Meanwhile, Dr Siti Hasmah had a separate programme, meeting with the
Myanmar Maternity Women Leaders and Child Welfare Association Activity
Centre at South Okalapa. 

The Prime Minister and his wife were taken for a visit to the National
Museum and Dr Mahathir planted a tree at the People's Park. 

Later, they went to Parliament House for a banquet. 

This is Dr Mahathir's first visit to Myanmar since the country became a
member of Asean in July last year. He last visited Myanmar in 1988 as guest
of then prime minister Maung Maung Kha.

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