Pakistan, Malaysia sign Partial Visa Abolishment Agreement

KUALA LUMPUR (Web Desk) - Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Malaysian counterpart Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad held one-on-one meeting and delegation level talks in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Both the countries discussed entire gamut of bilateral relations, matters of mutual interest, trade cooperation, investment, privatization and ways and means to further bolster their cooperation in diverse fields.

Later, a joint news conference was held during which PM Khan said Pakistan wants to learn from Malaysia’s experience of turning around economy, trade, and development in other sectors.

He said Pakistan has huge untapped tourism resources, which we want to develop this sector on the pattern Malaysia has developed it.

PM Imran Khan meets Malaysian counterpart in Kuala Lumpur.

"Malaysia has progressed speedily in the leadership of Mahathir Mohamad. The nations voted both the countries against corruption," asserted Khan.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysia and Pakistan face similar challenges and it has been decided to cooperate with one another.

He emphasized the need to continue mutual cooperation to benefit from the experiences of one another. Malaysian PM said it was also decided to have a dialogue partnership at the ASEAN group; besides, enhancing mutual cooperation in defence sector.

Imran Khan also invited Dr Mahathir Mohamad to visit Pakistan as chief guest on the occasion of Pakistan Day falling on 23rd March next year.

Joint statement

Following the news conference, a joint statement was issued related to the meeting of the prime ministers. According to the statement, both leaders witnessed the signing of the Partial Visa Abolishment Agreement (PVAA) which will reinforce the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship by broadening contact at the officials’ level between the two countries. 

Prime Minister Imran Khan briefed Prime Minister Tun Mahathir on the grave human rights situation in Kashmir and in this regard referred to the Reports of UNOHCHR, Amnesty International, International People’s Tribunal and All Parties Parliamentary Kashmir Group, UK. He also discussed the role of OIC Contact Group on Kashmir to highlight the issue.

As two peace-loving Islamic nations, the two leaders agreed to increase their collaborative efforts to uphold the true values of Islam in international fora while strengthening the solidarity of the Muslim Ummah. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate more closely on issues affecting the Muslim world including taking joint efforts in underscoring Muslim sensitivities in attacking Muslim holy personalities and religious belief.

FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi and #Malaysian Home Minister Tan Sri Dato Haji Muhyiddin signed the MoU on Partial Abolition on Visa Requirement, in the presence of PM Imran Khan @PakPMO and Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad @chedetofficial. @MalaysiaMFA pic.twitter.com/Kge5dtumpx

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) November 21, 2018

Both stressed that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion or belief. Views were Malaysian side took note of the massive counter-terrorism efforts that Pakistan has successfully undertaken in an effort to eliminate terrorism.

On the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) between Malaysia and Pakistan signed in November 2017, Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to assist Pakistan in addressing its energy shortfall. In this regard, Prime Minister Imran Khan welcomed Malaysia’s cooperation in LNG and other energy sectors including hydroelectric and renewable resources.

Recognising Malaysia’s success in the high-tech industry hub in the northern state of Penang, Pakistan highlighted their intention to explore greater collaboration between high-tech industries in Malaysia and Pakistan. Malaysia invited Pakistani companies to invest in Malaysia in both manufacturing and services sectors where the companies are able to leverage Malaysia’s strategic location in expanding their investments into ASEAN and the Asia Pacific regions. Pakistan invited potential Malaysian companies to explore the possibility of investing in Special Economic Zones to take advantage of Pakistan’s strategic location at the crossroads of Central, South and West Asia.

PM Khan presented guard of honour

Earlier, on his arrival at the Malaysian prime minister office, Imran Khan was received by Mahathir Mohamad. On the occasion, the anthems of both the countries were played and a  guard of honor was presented to PM Khan.

PM Khan along with his delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday for a two-day official visit.

He was received by Malaysian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Marzuki bin Yahya and Deputy Minister in the PM Office Dr Mohammad Farid bin Rafik, a PM Media Office press release said.