Modi Aims To Strengten Economic And Security Cooperation With Malaysia

By M. Santhiran NEW DELHI, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says his visit to Malaysia is aimed at making economic ties between both nations much more stronger as well as strengthen security cooperation. In a Facebook posting, Modi who arrives in Kuala Lumpur Saturday for the ASEAN-India Summit and 10th East Asia Summit, said he will be holding bilateral talks with Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak on Monday. "I will be holding talks with Prime Minister Najib Razak and other world leaders who are attending the Summits," wrote Modi. He also stated that Malaysia is at the core of the Indian government's ‘Act East Policy' whereby India has had a strategic partnership with Malaysia since 2010. "Malaysian investments, including in various infrastructure projects are strong in India. India’s trade with Malaysia is also vibrant, particularly in the commodities sector," pointed out Modi. In the posting, the Indian prime minister was also upbeat about several public programmes including the inauguration of the Torana Gate in Little India, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur on Monday at about 11am. The Torana Gate was donated by the Indian government as symbol of "friendship" between the two countries. Modi added that his programme includes a visit to the Ramakrishna Mission where he will inaugurate a statue of Swami Vivekananda in Petaling Jaya and conclude his trip with a visit to the Subramaniyar Temple in Batu Caves. "Over two million persons of Indian origin reside in Malaysia. There will be an interaction with them at a community programme. Our diaspora must be saluted for their accomplishments and bringing the two nations closer," Modi said. -- BERNAMA