Putrajaya (Malaysia), Nov.23 : India and Malaysia on Monday inked several wide-ranging agreements following a discussion on progress being made through various bilateral dialogue mechanisms.
A joint statement issued after one-to-one and delegation-level talks led by the Prime Ministers of the two nations, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak and Narendra Modi acknowledged that India-Malaysia relations have made impressive strides in recent years and these new agreements provide a framework to harness the full potential of the strategic partnership established between the two countries in October 2010.
Through their joint statement, both prime ministers also conveyed their condolences to the families of the victims of the Malaysian Airlines flight MH 370 that crashed recently.
In this context, Prime Minister Razak recalled with appreciation the ready assistance provided by India in the search operations through the deployment of six ships and seven aircraft.
Both leaders also welcomed the increasing two-way tourist movement and recalled the close cultural and religious affinity between the people of the two countries.
Both also acknowledged the contributions of the large Indian community in Malaysia, which has helped to foster and develop current and future linkages.
They said the Malay Indian community has imbued greater dynamism to the friendly relations between Malaysia and India.
Recalling their stake in promoting multiculturalism, the joint statement said that the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, pluralism and development.
The two leaders acknowledged the contribution made by Malaysia and India in promoting growth, economic development and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and recognized each other’s responsibility in the promotion of peace, development and security of the region, and beyond, based on a convergence of political and socio-economic interests and aspirations.
The two prime ministers, while expressing satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations over the years, reaffirmed their determination to take the strategic partnership between the two countries to the next level by deepening existing areas and exploring new areas of cooperation.
During his visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Modi participated in the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit on November 21 and 22, and also jointly inaugurated the Torana Gate in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur with Prime Minister Razak.
The Torana Gate was presented as a gift from India to Malaysia, as a symbol of India- Malaysia Friendship. (ANI)