ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen their economicrelations by promoting trade and investment for mutual benefit of twocountries.
The understanding came at a meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan andhis Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Muhammad in Islamabad on Friday.
Later addressing a joint news conference, Prime Minister Imran Khan saidPakistan has always looked upon Malaysian Prime Minister as a Muslimstatesman who changed his country.
The Prime Minister also admired his Malaysian counterpart for taking strongstance on issues affecting the Muslim world including terrorism.
Referring to the rise of Islamophobia in the world, he said it has badlyaffected the Muslims and expressed the confidence that the Malaysian PrimeMinister will also forcefully take a stance on the matter.
The prime minister appreciated the stance of Mahathir Muhammad againstcorruption saying his party has been waging a struggle against corruptionover the last twenty two years.
Describing his visit as very useful, Malaysian Prime Minister MahathirMuhammad said both the countries have identified the areas of mutualcooperation which could prove to be beneficial for both the countries.
He said traders of both countries will be facilitated in doing businesswith each other.
Malaysian prime minister said his country has set the target of becoming adeveloped country by 2025.
He regretted that there is not a single Muslim country in the category ofdeveloped nations. He said other Muslim countries should also strive todevelop themselves at par with the developed countries.
On Islamophobia, Mahathir Muhammad said there is fear, hatred and enmitytowards Muslims and this is why Christchurch attack took place.
He urged need to find ways to combat Islamophobia.
He said Pakistan and Malaysia can also cooperate on this particular issuewith the aim to bring improvement in the perception of Muslims and reducehatred and fear towards Muslims.
Earlier, a formal welcome ceremony in honor of Malaysian Prime MinisterMahathir Muhammad was held at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad today.