Malaysia's deputy PM to visit Thailand

He will be accompanied by his wife, Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, two chief ministers and three members of parliament as well as senior government officials.

This will be Muhyiddin's first official visit to Thailand since assuming the post of deputy prime minister on April 9, 2009.

Muhyiddin, who is also education minister, is scheduled to hold discussions with his Thai counterpart Kittirat Na Ranong and Education Minister Jaturon Chaisaeng.

He will also pay a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the statement said.

The visit would provide an excellent opportunity for Muhyiddin and his counterpart to renew their friendship and exchange views on bilateral issues of mutual interest such as trade and investment, the halal industry and agriculture cooperation as well as other regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The discussions are aimed at further enhancing existing bilateral relations and cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand, it added.