Rahul and Malaysian PM have a 'casual chat'

In a first of its kind, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday had a formal meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, who wanted to "touch base" with the next generation leader of India.

The meeting was sought by the Malaysian Prime Minister, who wanted to have discussions with the young Congress leader about various aspects of his party, sources said.

During the hour-long discussions, Razak enquired about the functioning of the Congress and the secrets of its success considering that it has been in power for so long, they said.

The Malaysian Prime Minister, who heads a coalition government, also wanted to know how Congress is working with other parties in running the government.

Sources described the meeting between Razak, who is son of Malaysia's second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, and Rahul as a "casual chat".

This was the first formal meeting that Rahul Gandhi has had with any head of government or State in India. He has met foreign leaders during some of his visits abroad.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had met Razak on Wednesday.