Chinese PM arrives at Myanmar on a two-day visit; Thai Prime Minister wins the no-confidence motion; Malaysia and Laos sign three MoUs; Malaysia condemns Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla;
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    • On June 2, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jia Bao arrived in Myanmar capital Rangoon on a two-day visit. This is the first trip by a Chinese Prime Minister to Myanmar in the last 16 years. A number of key contracts, including the ones related to energy and hydropower projects, are expected to be signed between Myanmar and China during Jiabao’s visit. The Chinese Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet Senior General Than Shwe, head of Myanmar’s ruling junta.1

    Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy on security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban won the no-confidence motion tabled against him by the opposition on the charges of two-month long military crackdown on the anti-government red shirt protesters recently that left 89 dead and 1884 injured.2

    Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak went on his first official visit to Laos on June 2. Malaysia’s International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, and some fifty members of the Malaysian business community were also part of Najib’s delegation.3 During this visit, the two countries signed three MoUs on education, sports and avoidance of double taxation.4 Malaysia has also assured to provide assistance to Laos in producing capital and developing national athletes.5

    While terming the recent attack by the Israeli defence force on the Gaza aid flotilla as ‘a serious breach of international law’, Malaysia has condemned that act and urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to take action against Israel.6 However, UNSC’s failure in condemning the Israeli act has disappointed Malaysia.7

    Among other recent developments, during a high-level Malaysian defence delegation’s visit to Pakistan recently. Both the countries reiterated their commitment to enhance and reinforce the bilateral defence ties and explore new avenues of cooperation. Both the states also agreed to increase the interaction between their armed forces, especially in the sphere of military training.8

    While commemorating the long friendship between India-Malaysia, three Indian naval ships- INS Ranjit, INS Rana and INS Jyoti, are scheduled to arrive at Port Klang of Malaysia from June 20 till June 23. The ships will sail to Malaysia as part of their deployment in the east. Rear Admiral P. Murugesan, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, will command the visit.9

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