ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Malaysian counterpart Dr. Mahathir Mohamad held one-on-one meeting here at the PM House on Friday, focusing on further strengthening relations between the two countries.

The two leaders emphasized on taking effective measures to cement relations at people-to-people level, besides encouraging their businessmen to initiate joint ventures.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan and Malaysia enjoyed brotherly relationship and stood by each other in difficult times.

He termed Dr. Mahathir Mohamad an inspirational personality whose vision made Malaysia a developed and modern country.

Later, the two leaders led their sides at the delegations-level talks, which encompassed diverse areas that include cooperation in trade, automobiles, agriculture, tourism and food processing, particularly Halal meat.

Pakistani delegation included Finance Minister Asad Umer, Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, PM’s Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, PM’s Special Assistant for Overseas Pakistanis Zulfiqar Bukhari and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.

Guard of Honor at PM House

The Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was given guard of honor as he arrived in the Prime Minister House.

Prime Minister Imran Khan welcomed the guest. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad inspected the guard of honor after national anthems of both the countries were played.

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Prime Minister Khan introduced the guest to members of his cabinet. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad also planted a tree at the Prime Minister House before holding talks with his counterpart.

Joint Press conference

The prime ministers held a joint press conference where Khan told Dr. Mahathir Mohamad that his visit was an honor for his country.

Khan applauded the Malaysian leader for his efforts to eliminate menace of corruption which he said makes nations poor.

“We see Mahathir as leader of Muslims nations,” PM Imran Khan told his Malaysian counterpart.

The prime minister said Pakistan and Malaysia have always enjoyed good relationship.

Responding to a question, Khan said only two leaders stand out in the Muslim world who transformed their countries.

He said Malaysian leader was one of them under whose leadership Malaysia’s per capital income went up its economy improved .

“The other country is Turkey. We saw the change in Turkey under then Prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan where per capita income went up and people’s condition improved .

He said Pakistan was facing economic challenges which he discussed with PM Mahathir Mohamad.

“It is corruption that makes us poor,” Mahathir Mohmad agreed with his Pakistan counterpart while speaking at the press conference.

He said Pakistan can benefit from Malaysia’s experience in eliminating corruption.

Dr. Mahathir Mohamd said it was an honor for him to be part of Pakistan Day celebrations.

The Malaysia prime minister said discussed the problems facing Muslim Ummah. He said measures will have to be taken to put an end to extremism and Islamophobia .

Dr. Mahathir Mohamd said measures aimed at enhancing trade between Malaysia and Pakistan also came under discussion during their meeting.

Dr. Mahathir Mohammad was accorded a red carpet welcome as he arrived on a three-day official visit to Pakistan on Thursday evening.

He was warmly received by Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Nur Khan Airbase. Two children clad in traditional dresses, presented him a bouquet and a 21-gun salute heralded the arrival of Dr. Mahathir Mohammad. A contingent of Presidential Guards presented static salute to the dignitary who is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The Malaysian prime minister will be the chief guest at the Pakistan Day parade tomorrow (March 23). Dr. Mahathir Mohamd was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several leading businessmen.

Source: www.thenews.com.pk