August 30, 2006
President Chávez's visit to Malaysia

(El Nacional) - "President Hugo Chávez was received with honours during the first part of his official visit to Malaysia, where he intends to strengthen bilateral links and cooperation in oil and gas.

The welcoming ceremony was presided by King of Malaysia, Sirajuddin Jamallulail and took place in the Parliament, after which President Chávez met with Malaysian Prime Minister Abdula Ahmad Badawi.

Both leaders talked about international issues that generate preoccupation in both countries, like the situation in the Middle East, said Minister of Foreign Affairs through a communiqué.

President Chávez arrived in Malaysia on Sunday after a one week trip to China. The President's office informs this visit is an opportunity to explore a tighter collaboration with Malaysia in the oil and gas sectors.

After his meeting with Badawi, President Chávez highlighted Malaysia's role in what he called 'the new world geopolitics of multi-polarity' in the face of US hegemony.

The Venezuelan President said his visit is part of an effort to re launch the G-15, a bloc of emerging countries of which Malaysia, Venezuela, India and Egypt are members.

President Chávez also obtained Malaysian support for Caracas' candidacy to a Non Permanent Chair at the UN Security Council.

Authorities from both countries announced the Malaysian Prime Minister Badawi will visit Venezuela from 17th to 20th December 2006. After the meeting with Badawi, Foreign Affairs Ministers signed a bilateral agreement to avoid double taxation and to prevent fiscal evasion.

It is expected that President Chávez will visit a palm oil refinery, because one of the most important cooperation projects expected to be agreed during his visit is palm production in Venezuela".