Malaysia's experiences can benefit Pakistan in tourism sector: PM Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said Malaysia has set up example among Muslim countries due to its significant moves to bring prosperity and development, ARY News reported.

While addressing a joint press conference along with Malaysia counterpart Mahathir Mohamad, PM Khan said that Malaysia was the only country which had successfully come out of economic crisis in 1998.

“We have witnessed, how the quality of life in Malaysia went up. And now, people from Pakistan were moving towards Malaysia for employment,” the premier said.

PM Khan praised Malaysian stance against corruption, saying corruption was a key reason which turns a country into a poor state when corrupt elements transferred looted money abroad.

He also welcomed a clear stance taken by the Malaysian government against terrorism.

“There are only two leaders in Muslim countries who get prominence. [Malaysia Prime Minister] Matahir Mohamad and [Turkey President] Recep Tayyip Erdogan are an important example of prosperity and development in all over the Muslim country,” said the premier.

He added that they have witnessed fast pace development in Turkey, as well as in Malaysia which had devised plans to come out of economic crisis instead of relying on others.

PM Khan said that Pakistan could get benefits of Malaysia’s experiences in tourism as Kuala Lumpur government was collecting a bigger share of revenue from the sector. He added that vast opportunities were present for enhancement of the tourism sector of Pakistan.

The premier said that the federal government was implementing concrete steps to facilitate foreign investors willing to making direct investments in the country.

Commenting over rising attacks on the Muslim community, PM Khan said that Islamophobia was promoting deliberately across the globe and overall 1.3 billion Muslims blamed for the wrongdoing of an individual.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that it was a pleasant moment to witness the renewal of friendship with Pakistan. He added that both countries have held bilateral discussions on various important matters.

“Muslim countries are the important topics during our discussions and both sides have noticed capacity of further improvements in bilateral ties with other Muslim countries, PM Mohamad said.

“Every country is seeking better economy these days. I believe that bilateral trade between Malaysia and Pakistan will be increased. We have to find specific areas for trade between the countries,” he added.

PM Mahathir Mohamad said, “Imran Khan has said the right thing that corrupt makes us poor. Sometimes, corruption has been done due to corruption rulers.”

“We needed to reach the level of developed countries, and I am seeing Malaysia as a developed country by 2025,” he said.

“Whenever economy goes up, we always need to spot a model. Japan is a visible example of development before us.”

The Malaysian premier said that his visit to Pakistan was very important for him and key matters were came into discussions. Dr Mohamad said that he wanted to see other Muslims states listed among developed countries.

He said that Malaysia was ready to play its role for the development of Pakistan. He expressed his thoughts that it was an honour for him to attend the Pakistan Day event.

Earlier in the day, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was presented a guard of honour upon his arrival at the Prime Minister House.

The Malaysian premier is on a three-day visit to Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan. PM Mohamad will also be the guest of honour at the Pakistan Day Parade on March 23.