McAleese in talks with Malaysian Prime Minister

President McAleese has agreed with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad that international conflicts should be resolved through diplomacy, officials in Kuala Lumpur said.

Mary McAleese met Mahathir for 40 minutes as part of a three-day official visit to the Southeast Asian nation.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar did not cite any specific issues the pair discussed, but Mahathir has repeatedly voiced opposition to any US plans to attack Iraq.

“Both she and Dr Mahathir believe that war cannot solve problems,” Syed Hamid said. “Only dialogues and a multilateral process can solve problems.”

Mahathir is one of Asia’s longest-serving leaders. Malaysia is a moderate, predominantly Muslim country of 23 million people.

Mrs McAleese was accompanied by a 55 member delegation of Irish officials and business leaders. She arrived yesterday after four days in Thailand.

She was today escorted by King Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail Putra and received a 21 gun salute at Malaysia’s Parliament. Mahathir, Cabinet ministers and diplomats all gathered to welcome her.

She also toured the Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest buildings, and was due to give a public speech about Ireland’s views on the challenges of the 21st century.

Mrs McAleese is expected to attend a state banquet at the national palace and meet the Irish community in Kuala Lumpur and the northern resort island of Penang.

She is scheduled to return to Dublin on Wednesday.

The visit, the first to Malaysia by an Irish head of state, is expected to enhance relations, especially in trade, education and tourism.

Malaysia is Ireland’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia.