By IRNA,
New Delhi : Malaysia today termed India as its important strategic partner.
Talking to reporters after a ceremonial reception in the fore court of Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammed Najib Tun Abdul Razak also expressed hope that his visit to India will add vigor and impetus to the bilateral relations.
Mohammed Razak, who arrived in New Delhi, last night on a five-day visit is expected to sign an Extradition Treaty along with some other pacts.
He is accompanied by a large delegation that includes several cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, chief ministers, members of Parliament, senior officials and a business delegation.
Razak is holding delegation level talks with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh this evening on a wide range of issues, including promotion of trade and investment.
He will call on President Pratibha Devisingh Patil. The UPA Chairperson Mrs Sonia Gandhi and leader of the opposition Sushma Swaraj will also call on him.
He will also visit Chennai before returning back home on Saturday.
India-Malaysia relationship has witnessed considerable progress in the last few years. The visit of the Malaysian PM to India will contribute to further strengthening and expanding the close bilateral relations between the two countries.
This is going to be the first Prime Ministerial visit from Malaysia in six years (last one was in December 2004 by Abdullah Badawi).