PM looks forward to exploring new opportunities with India

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday said he was looking forward to exploring new opportunities with India during his visit to the country.

He said the friendship between India and Malaysia extended beyond formalities.

“My visit to India couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. Our ties with India go way back.

“This year marks the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-India diplomatic relations, therefore, marking the significance of the friendship between the two nations.

“Uniquely, India has contributed to the demographics of the Malaysia we see today.

“The Indian community makes up the third largest ethnic group in Malaysia and many Indian Malaysians still have family in India.

“We are quite literally connected to each other,” he said on his blog, www.najibrazak.com.

He said since his last visit to India in 2010, relations between the two countries had flourished and blossomed.

“We have established the Malaysia–India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and India is among Malaysia’s largest trading partners and largest export destination.

“We have also established partnerships in defence cooperation, counterterrorism, tourism and culture relations, IT (information technology) and services, as well as infrastructure projects.”

Najib’s visit, from today to Tuesday, is at the invitation of his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. It is his third visit to India since assuming office.

“I will be visiting Chennai, New Delhi and Jaipur. During this visit, among others, I will be meeting India’s captains of industries, as well as attend the 7th Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council Meeting.

“I have mentioned previously that innovation is key to success, and with India’s booming business sector and its innovative nature, I look forward to exploring new opportunities in India. We must always have one eye on the future!

“Last, but definitely not least, I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi again.

“Prime Minister Modi and I have previously met on several occasions, but this will be my first visit to India since he became the prime minister of India. I hope to exchange ideas and have fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Modi to further strengthen our bilateral ties. InsyaAllah,” he said.

I hope to exchange ideas and have fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Modi to further strengthen our bilateral ties.