Mahathir suggests Malaysia, Pakistan ‘move together’ for greater prosperity, stability
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad spoke of the “remarkable similarities” Malaysia and Pakistan share when he addressed a luncheon he hosted for visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He said the two countries have inherited similar problems in many areas from the past administrations and share a similar vision in eradicating corruption and addressing economic issues to develop the countries as well as to redeem their wealth.
“Now is the time that we move together. I believe in the importance of cooperation that is based on mutual respect, and that successful and dynamic relations between Malaysia and Pakistan would contribute to our own prosperity and stability.
“I am happy to see that the new Pakistani government under the leadership of Imran Khan is steering Pakistan towards progress and a corruption-free country.
"Historic reforms have been carried out under your (Imran Khan) leadership that have made Pakistan more open and competitive," Dr Mahathir said in his speech at the luncheon held at Seri Perdana.
Imran Khan is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Dr Mahathir. It is his maiden visit since assuming office in August.
Dr Mahathir said he is honoured by Imran Khan's visit. The last visit by a Pakistan prime minister was 13 years ago, in 2005, when the then Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani visited Malaysia.
“Indeed, Your Excellency's visit to Malaysia today represents a major milestone in Malaysia-Pakistan relations as we generate a momentum for an even more dynamic and richer relationship. Together we can realise our combined potentials and achieve better lives for our people,” said Dr Mahathir.
He said he was also happy to see the continuous friendly relations that Malaysia and Pakistan have had since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1967.
"Malaysia considers Pakistan as its close partner in the South Asian region and your visit today is an excellent opportunity to reemphasise our commitments and reaffirm our longstanding friendship between our two countries.
"I believe there is much more that could be achieved when there is trust, understanding and closeness between leaders and countries," he said.
Referring to their bilateral meeting earlier, Dr Mahathir said they were able to discuss many areas of bilateral cooperation and take stock of the progress in political and economic matters, adding that economic cooperation is showing positive growth.
"I believe there is more that could be done for our bilateral trade to grow. Both countries should also promote greater business linkages between our private sectors,” he said.
Dr Mahathir said there are potential areas that can be tapped to exploit the full potential of the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) which was signed in November 2007.