Abu Dhabi Crown Prince given Malaysian honour during visit

ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was bestowed with the Malaysian title of "Tun," the highest civilian honour, while visiting Malaysia's king in Putrajaya yesterday.

King Mizan Zainal Abidin awarded the title during a ceremony at the Istana Negara royal palace in recognition of efforts taken to strengthen Malaysia-UAE relations, according to Wam, the state news agency. The title is usually given to Malaysian royalty or those who have served the country, as well as international figures including the Bahraini Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa and the Swedish Crown Princess Victoria.

Sheikh Mohammed, who held meetings with the king and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during his one-day visit, said he looked forward to broader co-operation with Malaysia, particularly in areas of joint ventures, according to Wam.

"The UAE and Malaysia maintain close ties that are witnessing significant, steady growth and we are keen to expand avenues of cooperation and to bolster bonds of cooperation for the best interest of the two friendly countries and peoples," Sheikh Mohammed said.

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