Kuala Lumpur, February 8: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a true friend during a joint press conference on Sunday. He emphasized the reliable agreements between the two nations.
Prime Minister Ibrahim stated that the recent meeting and exchange of documents between India and Malaysia are “extremely important, strategic, and essential for strengthening relations.” He noted that the two countries have maintained a long-standing relationship since 1957, which has now been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024.
He highlighted the deep historical ties, strong people-to-people connections, and the continuously growing economic partnership.
“We will deepen cooperation across all sectors,” said Prime Minister Ibrahim. “This includes trade and investment, semiconductors, the digital economy, local currency trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, food security, defense, education, healthcare, tourism, culture, and enhancing relations between our peoples. This is indeed comprehensive, and we believe that the commitment from both governments and foreign ministers will expedite progress.”
The Malaysian Prime Minister revealed that both countries exchanged 11 documents, including memorandums of understanding (MOUs). He noted that this exchange goes beyond typical bilateral agreements, encompassing areas such as semiconductors, healthcare, and security cooperation.
He expressed hope for increased trade collaboration with India, suggesting that it could surpass the current figure of $8.59 billion. He described the use of local currencies, the Indian Rupee and Malaysian Ringgit, as an “amazing achievement.”
Emphasizing educational ties, he mentioned that many Malaysians have studied in India, and the number of Indian students in Malaysia is also on the rise. “In the past decade, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s educational institutions have gained remarkable recognition, surpassing many Western counterparts. Therefore, we will certainly consider increasing the number of students in this area,” he stated.
Prime Minister Ibrahim also stressed the need to focus on tourism and connectivity.
“I appreciate that my discussions with Prime Minister Modi are not just routine diplomatic exchanges but are filled with trust and understanding between true friends. I want to take this opportunity to thank him for supporting peace efforts, whether in the Ukraine-Russia situation or the Middle East, particularly Gaza,” he added.
He indicated his immediate agreement with the Indian government’s decision to open a consulate in Malaysia as a sign of the strong ties between the two nations.
Earlier, both leaders engaged in delegation-level talks, discussing measures to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors, including defense and security.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit is seen as a significant step towards deepening the long-standing friendship between India and Malaysia, based on mutual trust, shared values, and common aspirations for the future.
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