Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is scheduled for a two-day official visit to Burma starting tomorrow to enhance bilateral relationship between both countries.

The visit will be the first official visit to the country by Najib since becoming the prime minister in April 2009, said a statement from Wisma Putra today.

Najib will be accompanied by his wife Rosmah Mansor, Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman, and several cabinet ministers and deputy ministers.

Malaysia and Burma had established diplomatic relations since 1957 and have a close and friendly relationship which is characterised by an excellent network of cooperation in various fields including trade and investment, technical cooperation, human capital development, banking and finance, defence, tourism, plantation, sports and hydrocarbon exploration.

Wisma Putra added that total trade between Malaysia and Burma for the year 2011 was recorded at RM2.43 billion, an increase of 26.8 percent compared with 2010.

The official visit by the prime minister is expected to further enhance the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries as well as create more business and investment opportunities to Malaysian and Burmese companies, said the statement.

After arriving at the administrative capital of Burma in Naypyitaw, Najib is scheduled to make a courtesy call on Burmese President Thein Sein as well as lead a delegation meeting to discuss bilateral, regional and international matters of interest to both countries.

Later in the evening, the president of Burma and his wife Khin Khin Win will host a state banquet in honour of the Malaysian prime minister and his wife at the presidential palace.

Najib is also scheduled to attend a meeting with Malaysian and Burmese entrepreneurs on March 29 (Thursday), said the statement.

- Bernama