By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : Pakistan hopes to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia on counter terrorism and the abolition of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, says Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.
He stated this at a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi here Tuesday on the sidelines of the 6th summit meeting of the Group of Eight Developing Islamic Countries (D-8) here.
Gilani also said he hoped that the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both countries would facilitate linkages with the efficient and growing economy of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) by providing market access to Pakistan’s “future items of export interest”, according to a statement issued by the High Commission (embassy) of Pakistan here.
The statement said Gilani suggested that Malaysian companies invest in Pakistan’s energy-starved sector.
“Pakistan offers a lucrative market for other D-8 members, especially Malaysia, to make investments in renewable energy options as this will not only be beneficial to Pakistan’s energy security but would boost social equity and make good economic sense,” the prime minister said.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gilani said Pakistan would like to sow stronger seeds of co-operation with Malaysia in agriculture and other fields.
Gilani said agriculture was among the main focus of discussion between the two leaders. The 30-minute meeting also touched on issues related to overcoming skyrocketing crude oil prices.