KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has accepted an invitation from Malaysian King Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin for a state visit to Malaysia.

    The date of the visit would be determined later, Azerbaijan's ambassador to Malaysia, Tahir Karimov said here on Friday.

    The visit, aimed at further strengthening and consolidating two-way ties, would be the first official visit by an Azerbaijan president to Malaysia, he said.

    "The president has accepted the invitation with great pleasure ... the visit will definitely elevate Azerbaijan-Malaysia ties," Malaysian national news agency Bernama quoted Karimov as saying.

    Aliyev, 46, succeeded his father, Heydar Aliyev in October 2003 as the president of the oil and gas-rich republic.

    Malaysia and Azerbaijan established diplomatic ties in 1992.

    "President Aliyev places greater importance on strengthening Baku-Kuala Lumpur ties in various fields.

    "The president looks forward to a successful visit ... we believe the visit can contribute positively to mutual benefit in all spheres," Karimov said.

    Two years ago, Azerbaijan submitted seven memoranda of understanding to Malaysia, containing proposals to enhance bilateral cooperation and relationship. Among them are the establishment of a joint commission, double taxation agreement and cultural and educational agreements.