King Hopes Malaysia-Kazakhstan Can Explore Other Sectors To Sustain Bilateral Cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysian King Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah expressed satisfaction with the encouraging development in trade, economic and human development as well as initiatives in the field of oil and gas between Malaysia and Kazakhstan. However, His Majesty hoped that the two countries could continue to explore other sectors in sustaining bilateral cooperation. "Though a strong relationship has already be established, we need to explore other sectors for sustaining bilateral cooperation and develop potentials that have been identified," said Tuanku Abdul Halim at the State Banquet to celebrate Kazakhstan President, Nursultan Nazarbayev at Istana Negara here on Wednesday. Malaysian Queen Tuanku Hajah Haminah, Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Foreign Minister Anifah Aman were also in attendance. Meanwhile, Nazarbayev said Malaysia's outstanding success, also dubbed as an "Asian Tiger", should be viewed as an exemplary by other countries in the region. Citing that both nations shared common values in terms of community background, religious and language, Nazarbayev was also off the view that the consensus achieved despite the differences, was inviolable basis of a dynamic development of the whole nation. "In my point of view, this is the natural result of the wise policy of the Supreme Ruler and the Government of the country," said Nazarbayev, adding that he was convinced that Malaysia would achieve its goal to be the most developed country in the Islamic world by 2020. Nazarbayev arrived yesterday for a two-day state visit to Malaysia. This is his third state visit to Malaysia in 16 years (after 1996 and 2006), signalling the close bond between Malaysia and Kazakhstan. -- BERNAMA