Vietnam, Malaysia leaders hold talks on building economic ties

Vietnam's Prime Minister, Phan Van Khai, has held talks with his Malaysian counterpart, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, at the start of a three-day visit aimed at building political and economic ties.

Mr Abdullah told a news conference afterwards the two countries have signed three memorandums of understanding covering "comprehensive cooperation", education and information technology.

He says Vietnam's controversial boat tour to Hanoi's military outposts in the disputed Spratly Islands has not been discussed.

Six countries, including Malaysia, claim sovereignty over all or part of the Islands.

Correspondents say Malaysia is a popular destination for Vietnamese labourers.

Since April 2002, nearly 70,000 Vietnamese have travelled there on guest worker schemes.

22/04/2004 11:38:47 | ABC Radio Australia News

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/ra/newstories/RANewsStories_1092354.htm