Award a recognition of Malaysia's contribution, says Najib

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Sunday said the Union Medal conferred by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a recognition to Malaysia for enhanced bilateral ties between the two countries.

The prime minister said the award, to appreciate Malaysia's contribution and role, is the highest award for a Head of State being conferred by that country.

The award was presented to Najib by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed Zayed Al Nahyan after the official welcoming ceremony at the Mushrif Palace here.

"According to the Crown Prince, this award is in recognition of Malaysia's contribution and role and he wanted it to be a surprise to me.

"I am deeply moved because I was not being informed before hand and this is a surprise to me as it is the highest award that can be conferred by UAE," he said.

Najib was speaking to Malaysian journalists covering his official visit to Abu Dhabi.

He arrived here on Saturday for a three-day official visit to the UAE capital, his second to the country after becoming prime minister in April 2009.

Commenting on his four-eyed meeting with Sheikh Mohammed, Najib said, among others, he informed the Crown Prince of Malaysia's wish to see an increase in investment between both countries, including UAE's committment to develop the oil storage in Tanjung Piai, Johor as strategic storage for their requirement.

Also being discussed on Sunday was the cooperation on defence that could be implemented by the two countries, especially on joint military trainings, being seen as having a big potential.

"I am confident these bilateral ties will bring about many benefits as well as opportunities for joint trainings besides reviewing both countries' military capability that can be utilised," he said.

He cited the strength of UAE, which had unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) that were used to help Malaysia during the terrorist attacks in Lahad Datu, Sabah last year.

During the meeting Najib said he also expressed Malaysia's appreciation to UAE for their help in the effort to look for Malaysian Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370 which disappeared more than two months ago.

Commenting on the cooperation agreement signed by Malaysia via the 1Malaysia Development Board (1MDB) and the UAE Islamic and Wakaf Affairs (AWQAF) authorities on Sunday, he said the mosque complex to be built was poised to be an iconic building in Malaysia. The soon-to-be-built mosque, inspired by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, was expected to cater to a congregation of 30,000 at any one time, said Najib. Meanwhile, he said, in his courtesy call to Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, he stressed on the issue of investment between Malaysia and Dubai, specifically in giving more opportunities to Malaysian companies to invest in Dubai.