India, Malaysia to deepen cooperation in security, defence: PM Modi
Putrajaya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak and announced that New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur will deepen cooperation in security and defence.
Addressing a joint press conference with Najib after bilateral talks between the two sides, Modi emphasised that the recent attacks globally and the “ceaseless” terror attempts against India and Afghanistan were a reminder of the global nature of terrorism.
Modi also complimented Najib for providing leadership in combating extremism and radicalisation, rejecting any link between terrorism and religion and in highlighting the “real values of Islam”.
Appreciating Najib’s leadership in combating extremism and radicalisation, Modi said this is a great contribution an important aspect of global efforts against this challenge.
Warning that terrorism is the “biggest threat” to the world, Modi had yesterday said it should be delinked from religion.
Talking about security and defence cooperation, Modi said both countries will make it stronger, including for advancing maritime security and strengthening disaster response in the region.
The Prime Minister said he shares Najib’s belief that bilateral trade and investment relations can be scaled up significantly.
Modi expressed confidence of taking the bilateral strategic partnership to a new level.
India and Malaysia also signed MoUs on cyber security, culture and public administration.
Speaking at the joint press briefing, Prime Minister Najib said a New convention Centre will be built in New Delhi under government to government contract.
Modi said, “We have built a vibrant economic partnership. We are located on the same maritime route.”
Noting that Malaysian competence in infrastructure is well known and that Malaysia has completed several important projects, including in the road sector, in India, Modi said he wanted to see enhanced Malaysian participation in areas such as expansion and upgrading of infrastructure, Make in India, and Smart Cities projects.
The Prime Minister said both countries will place special emphasis on cultural and people-to-people ties.
Modi invited Malaysian students to study in India and urged early conclusion of an agreement on Mutual Recognition of Degrees.
Talking about the inauguration of the Torana Gate at the entrance of Little India in Bricksfield, Modi said, “This is a gift of India, but a labour of love for Prime Minister Najib. And, it will be a symbol of our timeless ties and the friendship between our people”.
Noting that the two back-to-back airline tragedies could sap the morale of any nation, Modi said he commends Prime Minister Najib’s leadership and the resolve and resilience of the Malaysian people.
Modi said both countries are closely aligned intheir vision and approach to the region and work closely in regional forums.
Najib, in his statement, said the two sides wanted to cooperate in the defence field and were considering joint production in this sector.
Both countries shared a common position on counter terrorism efforts, he noted.
Addressing the press conference, Najib described Modi “a man of action”, adding that the Indian PM wants things to be implemented expeditiously.
Earlier on Monday, Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at Putrajaya, the federal administrative centre of Malaysia.
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Source:zeenews
Narendra Modi
