Y.B. Dato’ Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, Foreign Minister undertook an introductory visit to Hanoi, Vietnam from 12-13 November 2008.
The visit is traditionally undertaken by newly-appointed ASEAN foreign ministers after assuming office. During the visit, the Minister called on the following Vietnamese leaders:
· H.E. Mr Nguyen Minh Triet, President of Vietnam;
· H.E. Mr Nguyen Sinh Hung, Standing Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam; and
· H.E. Dr Pham Gia Khiem, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.
The call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also included a meeting between delegations of both countries before a dinner reception hosted by in honour of Dato’ Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim at the Government Guest House.
The Minister also visited the Embassy of Malaysia and held a meeting with Malaysian staff. He later hosted a lunch meeting with the Malaysian business community at the Intercontinental Westlake Hanoi Hotel before departing for Kuala Lumpur.