The Malaysia Visit
Renewed Spirit, New Energy
Renewed Spirit, New Energy
Kuala Lumpur was the first stop for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his two-nation (Malaysia-Singapore) tour, spread over for four days from November 21, 2015 to November 24, 2015. Besides paying a bilateral visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Modi also attended the twin summits –the 13th ASEAN-India and the 10th East Asia Summit.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Najib Razak held wide-ranging talks in Putrajaya and jointly inaugurated the ‘Torana Gate’ in Brickfields- a gift from India to Malaysia, as a symbol of India-Malaysia Friendship. The visit also included an interaction with Corporate Malaysia, inauguration of a statue of Swami Vivekananda at the Ramakrishna Mission, visit to Batu Caves Temple and an interaction with Malaya-Indians (persons of Indian origin) at a Community Programme.
Malaysia is at the core of India’s ‘Act East Policy.’ Since 2010, India has a Strategic Partnership with Malaysia. The two leaders acknowledged the contribution made by Malaysia and India in promoting growth, economic development and stability in the Asia–Pacific region, and recognised each other’s responsibility in the promotion of peace, development and security of the region, and beyond, based on a convergence of political and socio-economic interests and aspirations. While expressing satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations over the years, they reaffirmed their determination to take the Strategic Partnership between the two countries to the next level by deepening existing areas and exploring new areas of cooperation.
The book will take you through the highlights of the visit.
The two leaders acknowledged that India-Malaysia relations have made impressive strides in recent years. The dialogue mechanisms at Ministerial and Official level, supported by a wide range of agreements have also provided a framework to harness the full potential of the Strategic Partnership, established between the two countries in October 2010.
In an effort to further broaden and deepen the relationship between the two countries, both leaders agreed to proceed with efforts to develop the Strategic Partnership between the two countries
"We are closely aligned in our vision and approach to the region, and work closely in regional forums.So, with a relationship as rich as this, I am pleased that we have agreed to make our Summits, ministerial dialogues and official meetings more regular. "
–Prime Minister Narendra Modi
They witnessed the signing of one Agreement on Cultural Exchange Programme for 2015-2020 and two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Project Delivery and Monitoring, and Cooperation on Cyber Security.
"We look forward to an early conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. I expressed our desire to see enhanced Malaysian participation in areas such as expansion and upgrading of infrastructure, Make in India, and Smart Cities projects. We want to raise the level of Indian presence in the Malaysian economy. "
–Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Addressing the India ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2015 Prime Minister Modi outlined the immense opportunities that India could offer.
"Together, ASEAN’s ten member countries form an economic powerhouse. ASEAN has emerged as one of the largest economic zones in the world. "
–Prime Minister Narendra Modi
"India is a land of immense opportunities. ...... I invite you to come and see the winds of change in India. ......I am personally here to invite you."
–Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The Thirteenth ASEAN-India Summit was held on 21 November 2015 in Kuala Lumpur. Chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia it was attended by the Heads of State /Government of ASEAN Member States and Prime Minister Modi. There were exchange of views on various issues of mutual interest, pertaining to regional and international political and economic issues as well as measures to further strengthen ASEAN-India partnership and the future direction of the relations.
"ASEAN is providing both inspiration and leadership for regional cooperation and integration......from India’s perspective, ASEAN values and leadership will remain central to integration across Asia and Pacific."
–Prime Minister Narendra Modi
"We meet at a time of multiple global challenges: economic uncertainties, political turmoil and security threats. In this difficult moment, India and ASEAN are two bright spots of optimism. "
–Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The year 2015 marked the 10th anniversary of establishment of the East Asia Summit. On the occasion of 10th East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Kuala Lumpur on 22 November 2015, the members reaffirmed their commitment to the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration, the 2010 Ha Noi Declaration and the 2011 Declaration of the EAS on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations, which emphasised the role of the EAS as a Leaders-led forum for strategic dialogue and cooperation on political, security and economic issues of common regional concern with the aim to promote peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia.
The day also saw leaders of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Countries review the progress of negotiations for the RCEP.
In his intervention at the Summit, Prime Minister Modi spoke of the global challenges of terrorism. He also defined his vision for the East Asia Summit as he spelled out the Five elements for an Asian Century.
"Development cooperation is at the heart of the East Asia Summit. India will continue to support the efforts of our partner countries.I share the vision of East Asia Summit focusing on strategic political, economic and security concerns in the region."
–Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Modi, met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Both sides reviewed the global scenario with regard to the economic slowdown, climate change and international terrorism.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, hosted Prime Minister Modi over lunch. The two leaders had discussions ranging from - Regional connectivity, maritime security, upcoming CoP-21 conference to the reform of the UN Security Council and the issue of terrorism.
"The India Japan relationship has the greatest potential of any bilateral relationship in the world."
–Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Prime Minister Modi unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda at Ramakrishna Mission. Speaking on the occasion, he said Swami Vivekananda was not just an individual, but the very soul of the millennia-old Indian culture. He said that From the Vedas to Vivekananda we have a rich cultural heritage and from Upanishads to Upgraha (satellites) we have strengthened our economic, social and scientific progress.
It was Swami VIvekananda who first gave the concept of 'One Asia' that ASEAN is speaking of today he further added.
"It is a great fortune for me to dedicate the statue of Swami VIvekananda on Malaysian soil."
–Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Addressing the 15000 strong audience of Malay Indians, Prime Minister Modi said, "You reflect India’s diversity of languages, religions & cultures."
"You have contributed to build Malaysia into a vibrant modern nation and an economic power house Malaysia lives up to the image of 'Truly Asia': living in harmony across diversity; innov'n & hard work; The Swami Vivekananda Statue is a reminder of the values we so deeply need to repair the fault-lines that are tearing are societies apart."
–Prime Minister Narendra Modi
