Imran keen on working with Malaysia

MAHATHIR SAYS HIS COUNTRY WILL TAKE UP PAKISTAN’S DESIRE FOR DIALOGUE AT ASEAN

Pakistan yesterday signalled its interest in closer collaboration with Malaysia’s high-tech industry. Visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met his Malaysian counterpart Dr Mahathir Mohammad at the Prime Minister Office in Putrajaya for a round of bilateral discussions.

Khan said he was particularly keen to meet Mohammad to learn from his experiences in building his country’s economy, given the way he turned it around and raised its GDP.

The Pakistan Prime Minister said both their governments got a mandate from their people to fight corruption and said his country would like to learn from Malaysia’s experiences and accomplishments.

He said Pakistan would also like to learn from Malaysia about how it coped with its debt crisis and how to optimally exploit its untapped tourism potential.

Mohammad said his country would also take up Pakistan’s desire for a dialogue partner in the Asean Forum.

The Malaysian Prime Minister recalled the traditional friendship between the two countries, and said the two leaders discussed ways to further boost their bilateral ties in all areas.

Both the leaders welcomed continued efforts to intensify cooperation between Malaysia and Pakistan.

Expanding trade

They agreed to expand trade and investment, create favourable conditions for commerce and business in both countries, particularly in palm oil, agri products, food retail, halal products, automotive parts, energy, science and technology, and telecommunication.

The sole electricity utility in Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, was also open to business opportunities with Pakistan including in renewable energy.

Mohammad said since he returned to office, Khan was the first world leader to have visited Malaysia.

He also said he had also accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan and attend the 23rd March Pakistan Day parade.

Khan is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Mohammad.