After signing MoUs on cyber security, culture and public administration, Modi expressed confidence of taking the bilateral trade and investment relations to a new level.
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Describing the ocean as a pathway to peace and prosperity, Modi said that India shares with Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) “a commitment to freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded commerce in accordance with accepted principles of worldwide law…”
Modi was warmly embraced by Najib as he got out of his vehicle at Perdana square in Putrajaya, the sprawling administrative capital on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
“We will also make our defence cooperation stronger, including for advancing maritime security and strengthening disaster response in our region”, the Indian prime minister said.
While Mr Modi last visited Singapore in March to attend the State Funeral of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, this is his first official visit to Singapore, where both sides will elevate ties to the level of a strategic partnership.
Najib, in his speech said the Torana Gate is a symbol of India-Malaysia friendship.
India and Malaysia further agreed to promote joint collaboration on projects of mutual interest in the defence sector including in the areas of defence equipment and industry, research, training and capacity building.
He reaffirmed India’s active participation in the ASEAN led security dialogue and cooperation forums and said the East Asia Summit must continue to support the evolution of an inclusive, balanced, transparent and open regional architecture for security and cooperation.
Modi said independent India owed a debt of gratitude to Malay-Indians.
Kuala Lumpur: India will deepen its defence cooperation with Malaysia, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Cultural dancers posing in front of the Torana Gate during its opening by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.in Brickfields Kuala Lumpur on Nov 23, 2015. I commend your leadership and the resolve and resilience of the Malaysian people.
I am very pleased with our excellent and growing cooperation in Traditional Medicine, including Ayurveda and Siddha.
Modi’s trip to Malaysia comes five years after his predecessor Manmohan Singh’s visit and elevated ties to a strategic partnership.
Malaysia wants to learn from India on managing infrastructure projects like highways and high-speed railways, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said.
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Noting that India and Singapore have been together at many crossroads of time, Modi said, “We stood together at the dawn of freedom…Singapore success has become India’s springboard to the world and gateway to the East”. “To mark this milestone, the two Prime Ministers will unveil a commemorative joint stamp issue”, it said in a statement.
