AMMAN - Jordanian King Abdullah II will leave Monday on a tour of Malaysia, Brunei and Ireland dedicated to economic issues and intended to drum up foreign investment in Jordan, a palace official told AFP Saturday.

"The king will participate in Malaysia in a forum of the 'new Asian leaders', a recently created group, and the Arab businessmen's council," the official said on condition of anonymity.

The Malaysian forum, the first of its kind, will focus on "the battle against poverty, education reforms and the development of economic ties," he said.

Economic issues

After Malaysia, the king will arrive on February 27 in Brunei for a two-day visit during which he will meet with the Sultan of Brunei, one of the world's richest men.

In his talks with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, King Abdullah will raise the issues of "economic relations and foreign investment in Jordan", the official said.

The king was to arrive February 29 in Ireland, where he will meet with Irish officials to discuss ways to develop bilateral economic cooperation, he said. - AFP