Pakistan, Malaysia agree to bolster bilateral ties

PUTRAJAYA: Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations in diverse fields including trade, economy and tourism.

Addressing a joint news conference along with the Malaysian counterpart, Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked Mahathir Mohamad for extending his support to Pakistan on Kashmir dispute and speaking against the injustices being perpetrated by Indian forces in occupied Kashmir.

PM Imran Khan said unfortunately a very radical and extremist government has taken over India which has put the Kashmiri people in an open prison.

The premier said he decided against to attend Malaysian summit as one of Pakistan’s close ally thought that the summit will create division in the Muslim Ummah. “I feel sorry for not becoming part of the conference.”

The Malaysian PM, in his address said that both the countries have agreed to further strengthen the bilateral ties in various fields.

Malaysia had made investment in automobile sector in Pakistan. Dr Mahathir said in his meeting with Pakistani counterpart, matters related to Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, situation of muslims in Palestine and Myanmar came under discussion.

Delegation level talks between Pakistan and Malaysia also held at Putrajaya.

Prime Minister Imran Khan led the Pakistani delegation while the Malaysian side by its Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad.

The two sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and ways and means to further expand their relations in different fields including trade, economy and tourism.

Earlier, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan was accorded warm welcome by his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamed upon his arrival at PM Office.

PM Khan is currently on two-day official visit to Malaysia. He along with a high-level delegation comprising Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Federal Minister for Planning Development and Reforms Asad Umar, Special Assistant on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and others reached Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.

This is PM Imran Khan’s second visit to Malaysia since assuming office in August 2018.