Briefs | Pence wraps up Aussie visit in Sydney

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has wrapped up his visit to Australia with a boat cruise around Sydney Harbour and a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Pence joined his family and local officials from New South Wales aboard a yacht yesterday for a cruise near the Harbour Bridge. The vice president and his family then met with the governor of New South Wales, David Hurley, and his family at Sydney’s Government House. The afternoon was capped by a tour of the city’s famed opera house. Pence departs for Hawaii on Monday for meetings with military leaders and a tour of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.

Malaysia reaches deal with Abu Dhabi

The battle over the repayment of 1MDB bonds may be coming to an end. Malaysia has reached an agreement to pay Abu Dhabi USD2.5 billion as partial debt settlement for embattled government fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd., according to a person familiar with the matter. Under a deal that’s expected to be announced today on the London Stock Exchange, Malaysia will pay Abu Dhabi $1.2 billion before the end of this year, said the person, who asked not to be identified as the information isn’t yet public. Malaysia will also assume the coupon obligations for two dollar bonds issued by 1MDB and co-guaranteed by Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund International Petroleum Investment Co., the person said.