Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad left for Morocco today on the first leg of a week-long tour which will also take him to Libya and Bahrain.

"The intention is to enhance bilateral relations and see what areas of economic cooperation can be strengthened with these countries," said Foreign Minister Syed Hamid.

Mahathir is also expected to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

His visits to Morocco and Bahrain are to reciprocate those of his counterparts to Malaysia while his trip to Libya is at the invitation of leader Moamer Kadhafi.

Malaysia is expected to sign several agreements related to economic and technical cooperation during Mahathir's tour. The premier is due to return on April 22.