Islamabad, March 23, 2019 (PPI-OT): Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, paid a state visit to Pakistan on 21-23 March 2019 on the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan. PM Tun Mahathir was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several leading businessmen. PM Tun Mahathir was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Prime Minister House. Both Prime Ministers held delegation level talks. In view of the growing momentum of bilateral cooperation it was agreed to elevate the Pakistan-Malaysia relationship to a Strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad stressed the need for converting friendship between the two counties into cooperation. Both sides agreed that dialogue was the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region and to resolve outstanding issues. Both sides expressed deep concern at the growing wave of Islamophobia and condemned the atrocities and human rights violations being committed against Muslims around the world. Prime Minister Imran Khan briefed Prime Minister Mahathir on the gross human rights violations in IOK and the importance of the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The two sides exchanged official Notes regarding ratification of the Agreement on Partial Abolition of Visa Requirement for Diplomatic and Official Passport holders, recently signed between the two countries. The two Prime Ministers addressed a Round Table Business Forum, which was attended by a large number of Malaysian and Pakistani Business leaders.
Flagship Malaysian companies Proton and Edotco, in automobile and telecom sectors respectively, announced their investment agreements during the Business Forum. The two Prime Ministers witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony of Proton Automobile Industry in Pakistan and signing of three important Agreements/MOUs between Edotco and Pakistan Mobile Telecommunication companies.
Prime Minister Tun Mahathir called on Dr. Arif Alvi, President of Pakistan. The two leaders exchanged a wide range of views of mutual interest. President of Pakistan conferred Pakistan’s highest civil award “Nishan-e-Pakistan” on H.E. PM Tun Dr. Mahathir in recognition of his leadership, role for the Islamic world and work towards strengthening Pakistan-Malaysia bilateral relations in all fields. The President of Pakistan also hosted a state banquet for the visiting Prime Minister at the ‘Aiwan-e-Sadr’.
Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was the Guest of Honour at the Pakistan Day Parade on 23rd March. It has been a great honour for people of Pakistan to have one of the most admired leader of the Islamic world to celebrate with them the national day of Pakistan. The visit of Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad provided an opportunity to further cement and elevate strategic relationship between the two countries.
For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
Fax: +92-51-9204202
Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk