ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan embarked on a two-day official trip to Malaysia on Tuesday, honoring the invitation extended by his counterpart, Mahathir Mohamad, marking his first visit to the country since assuming office in August this year.
For the duration of the visit, Khan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that the two leaders “will have a tête-à-tête, followed by delegation-level talks”.
“The visit of the Prime Minister would provide an opportunity to further cement the existing friendly and cordial bilateral relations by enhancing economic, trade and commercial ties, for our mutual benefit,” the statement read.
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry posted a similar statement on its official website, which read: “During the visit, Prime Minister [Mahathir] and Imran Khan will hold a bilateral meeting that would provide opportunities for both sides to review the existing relations and cooperation as well as identify new areas for future collaboration.”
It added that the visit underlines the significance and importance that Malaysia attaches to its relationship with Pakistan. “It will also be an opportunity for both leaders to exchange views on a range of global and regional issues of common concern.”
The two countries enjoy warm brotherly ties founded on the principles of mutual respect, friendship, and understanding, the statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
In 2017, the total value of bilateral trade between the two countries was recorded at RM5.76 billion ($1.34 billion), an increase of 3.5 percent as compared to the same period in 2016. Pakistan is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner among South Asian countries.
PM Khan leaves for Malaysia on two-day visit
PM Khan leaves for Malaysia on two-day visit
- Follows successful trips to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and China since assuming office in August
- Kuala Lumpur optimistic that move will provide new impetus to bilateral ties with Islamabad
