Australian PM visits Malaysia

Updated July 10, 2008 09:43:15

Kevin Rudd is in Malaysia on his first visit as Australian prime minister. [AFP]

Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, is hoping to build on strong links he says exist between Australia and Malaysia during a one-day visit today to the country's capital, Kuala Lumpur.

It's Mr Rudd's first visit to Malaysia as prime minister.

He says on the trade numbers alone, it's a very strong relationship between the countries.

"My ambition is to make it stronger," Mr Rudd said.

"The government under my own leadership wants deepen the relationship with Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's government and we think there is a great opportunity to do that at a political level."

He says he also wants to focus on education, as well as the long-standing defence links.

He'll be meeting members of the Malaysian government, but won't meet opposition figures.

Malaysia's leading opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, has urged Mr Rudd to push the cause of democracy and the rule of law during his visit.