The 87-year-old Mugabe, who is banned from travelling to the European Union over his regime's human rights record is among the leaders and representatives from 20 countries expected in Kuala Lumpur. -- PHOTO: AFP
KUALA LUMPUR - CONTROVERSIAL Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe will be among African leaders descending on Malaysia this weekend for an economic forum designed to foster closer trade links with the continent.
The 87-year-old Mugabe, who is banned from travelling to the European Union over his regime's human rights record is among the leaders and representatives from 20 countries expected in Kuala Lumpur.
Sudan's Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, had initially agreed to attend the gathering but pulled out amid opposition to his presence from rights group Amnesty International.
Dubbed the Langkawi International Dialogue and a brainchild of ex-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, the biennial convention aims to stimulate economic collaboration between Malaysia and a continent beset by conflicts, coups and political turmoil.
Despite Africa's problems, many reckon it to be a good bet for growth, with the International Monetary Fund expecting it to expand faster than the global average in the coming years. Six of the world's 10 fastest-growing economies were on the continent last year.
Around 500 delegates from countries including Lesotho, Gambia, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya and Namibia will be welcomed by Prime Minister Najib Razak on Sunday when he kicks off proceedings at the 14th forum, the ninth to be held in Malaysia. -- AFP
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