Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim is on a three-day visit to India. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Anwar Ibrahim held a joint press conference at Hyderabad House. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, trade and regional cooperation. The main focus of the Modi-Ibrahim talks was to expand trade and investment and explore cooperation in new and emerging areas. PM Modi said in his statement, we have decided that the India-Malaysia partnership will be extended to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He said that there is a lot of potential for cooperation in the economic sector. At the same time, Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim described PM Modi as a friend and brother.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, who was on a visit to India, by hugging him. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in the national capital New Delhi on Monday. This is his first visit to India as the PM of Malaysia. Union Minister of State V Somanna welcomed him. The Foreign Ministry said that this visit will give a boost to the India-Malaysia strategic partnership.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim praised PM Modi and said, PM Modi is my friend. He is my brother. It is not just when I am the Prime Minister, but even when I was nothing, he was a true friend of mine. Anwar Ibrahim said that there are many areas that we need to explore together. It is unfortunate that that cooperation has not been available in the last few years. We discussed the need to exchange our experiences in the semiconductor sector.
PM Modi also described Malaysia as an important partner of India in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the Indo-Pacific region. We agreed that the review of the free trade agreement between India and ASEAN should be completed in a timely manner. The PM said that India gives priority to the centrality of ASEAN. We agree that India and ASEAN should expedite the review of their free trade agreement. Malaysian University will establish Tiruvalluvar Chair. Hundreds of ITEC scholarships will be provided to Malaysians for advanced courses. The agreement on labor will not only improve the recruitment of Indians but will also improve security. About 3 million Indian diaspora in Malaysia is a living bridge between our countries. We talked about cooperation in the defense sector. We have similar views in the fight against terrorism and extremism. We will also work to connect India’s UPI with Malaysia’s PayNet.
PM Modi said that we have decided to set up a digital council and a startup council. There is more potential in our economic cooperation. We should increase cooperation in fintech, defense, AI and quantum technologies. Today we have decided to elevate our partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership. India and Malaysia are completing 10 years of their enhanced strategic partnership. Prime Minister Ibrahim’s efforts in two years were thanked. It was said in the joint press conference that our relations have received more energy and impetus. In a clear reference to the situation in the South China Sea, PM Modi said, we are committed to freedom of navigation, overflight in accordance with international laws and are in favor of peaceful resolution of all disputes.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)