By Muhammad Luqman
Pakistan and Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Partial Abolition on Visa Requirement. which aims to reinforce the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship by broadening contact at the officials’ level between the two countries, according to media reports.
The agreement was signed by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Malaysian Home Minister Tan Sri Dato Haji Muhyiddin in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad.
The MoU was signed after Imran Khan’s meeting with his Malaysian counterpart in the capital ,Kuala Lumpur..
The two countries signed several MoUs to strengthen bilateral relations and and enhance mutual cooperation .
The Pakistani PM also held a joint press conference with the Malaysian leader, seeking his guidance in curbing corruption which he said was on top of the agenda of both their parties in the recent elections in their respective countries.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Pakistan intended to learn from Malaysia’s economic development and progress through the years.
The premier also invited Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohammad to attend Pakistan Day celebration on March 23, 2019. The two countries agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, privatisation, foreign direct investment, food and tourism.
“We look up to him [Mahatir] – a leader who transformed his country. We have followed Malaysia’s progress and my party [Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf] wants to learn from your leadership. How Malaysia transformed its economy, developed and raised per capita and gross domestic product.”
The cricketer-turned-politician said Pakistan was particularly interested in how Malaysia developed its tourism. “We have untapped tourism potential in Pakistan. We have tourism spots but no resorts.”
Noting that the two leaders had acquired mandate campaigning on an anti-corruption platform, PM Imran said both the governments were faced with a similar situation: the crisis of unprecedented debt. He added that the discussion revolved around dealing with and coming out of the present crisis
During the meeting, the Malaysian side remembered Justice Abdul Hameed, who was also a member of the Reid Commission, and his contribution in drafting the Malaysian constitution.
The two leaders welcomed the establishment of bilateral consultation between senior officials of foreign ministries and the convening of first consultation in Islamabad next year.
