Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses desire to enhance ties with Malaysia

NEW DELHI: Highlighting the importance of ties with Malaysia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed his keenness to enhance the relationship particularly in trade, investment and tourism sectors.

He conveyed his desire when Malaysian Environment and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri G Palanivel called on him here and invited him on behalf of Prime Minister Najib Razak to his country. Modi accepted the invitation and said he will visit at a mutually-convenient date.

During the meeting, Modi highlighted the importance of close cooperation between India and Malaysia as well as other ASEAN countries in advancing collective regional action for peace and stability, a PMO statement said.

"Prime Minister expressed his desire for enhancing trade, investment, tourism, educational and cultural ties between the two countries," it said.

Palanivel sought enhanced cooperation in the areas of conservation of forests, wildlife protection, climate change technology and promotion of people-to-people contacts.

Modi lauded the over 2 million strong Indian community in Malaysia for enriching the fabric of Malaysia`s pluralist society and for contributing to Malaysia`s economic development.