Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar is expected to meet the reclusive leader of Burma's military government after arriving in Rangoon today.

Bumese sources told AFP that Syed Hamid would likely meet Senior General Than Shwe later today to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Syed Hamid was seen checking into a hotel in Rangoon, an AFP photographer said, for the two-day official visit.

Meeting with senior leaders

Malaysia's state news agency Bernama last week reported Syed Hamid's visit would involve meeting senior leaders of the ruling State Peace and Development Council including Prime Minister Soe Win.

Officials from Burma's information ministry and foreign ministry could not be reached for comment.

Burma has been ruled by the military since 1962.

The junta has launched a reform road map but critics have dismissed the process as a sham because it does not include the main opposition National League for Democracy, which won 1990 elections but was never allowed to rule.