Putrajaya (Malaysia): Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak on ways to ramp up bilateral cooperation with the focus on building a “well-rounded partnership” on Monday.
On the third and final day of his Malaysia visit, Modi began bilateral programmes with a ceremonial welcome here.
Modi was warmly embraced by Najib as he got out of his car at Perdana square in Putrajaya, the sprawling administrative capital on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
Modi, dressed in a Bandhgala, inspected a guard of honour and was introduced by Najib to Malaysian Ministers and officials. Modi then held a one-on-one meeting with Najib.
“A tete-a-tete begins proceedings. PM @narendramodi in a restricted meeting with PM @NajibRazak,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
A tete-a-tete begins proceedings. PM @narendramodi in a restricted meeting with PM @NajibRazak pic.twitter.com/CQGmYkfxH2
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 23, 2015
Delegation level talks began after the ceremonial welcome, the guard of honour and the one-on-one meeting between Modi and Najib.
“Focusing on a well-rounded partnership. PM Modi and PM Najib Razak lead delegation level talks,” Swarup said in a tweet.
#IndiaMalaysia Focusing on a well-rounded partner'p. PM @narendramodi and PM @NajibRazak lead delegation level talks pic.twitter.com/yJQJmODjXY
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 23, 2015
Defence and security were key areas in which both countries were looking to ramp up bilateral cooperation. Modi has said Malaysia is at the core of his government’s ‘Act East Policy’. India has a strategic partnership with Malaysia since 2010.
#IndiaMalaysia sign agreements on Cyber Security, Culture & Public Administration pic.twitter.com/TCHK2yWpx2
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 23, 2015
Speaking at the joint statement Prime Minister Najib said a New convention Centre will be built in New Delhi under government to government contract.
“We have built a vibrant economic partnership. We are located on the same maritime route.” Modi said.
Noting that Malaysian competence in infrastructure is well known and that Malaysia has completed several important projects, including in the road sector, in India, Modi said he wanted to see enhanced Malaysian participation in areas such as expansion and upgrading of infrastructure, Make in India, and Smart Cities projects.
“Indian companies have a strong presence in Malaysia. IRCON is contributing to development of rail infrastructure here. We want to raise the level of Indian presence in the Malaysian economy,” he said.
Modi said he and his Malaysian counterpart are determined to explore steps to show concrete and early results.
“I am happy that we are strengthening our excellent cooperation in Public Administration and Governance. I have personally interacted with PEMANDU, and am pleased that our Niti Ayog will work with them,” he said.
The Prime Minister said both countries will place special emphasis on cultural and people-to-people ties. Modi invited Malaysian students to study in India and urged early conclusion of an agreement on Mutual Recognition of Degrees.
“I am very pleased with our excellent and growing cooperation in Traditional Medicine, including Ayurveda and Siddha,” he said. Talking about the inauguration of the Torana Gate at the entrance of Little India in Bricksfield, Modi said, “This is a gift of India, but a labour of love for Prime Minister Najib. And, it will be a symbol of our timeless ties and the friendship between our people”.
Noting that the two back-to-back airline tragedies could sap the morale of any nation, Modi said he commends Prime Minister Najib’s leadership and the resolve and resilience of the Malaysian people.
Modi said both countries are closely aligned intheir vision and approach to the region and work closely in regional forums.
“So, with a relationship as rich as this, I am pleased that we have agreed to make our Summits, ministerial dialogues and official meetings more regular. I assure you that we will work with renewed vigour to raise the level to momentum of our partnership,” he said.
Najib, in his statement, said the two sides wanted to cooperate in the defence field and were considering joint production in this sector. Both countries shared a common position on counter terrorism efforts, he noted.
(With PTI inputs)