NEED TO ADDRESS ISSUES AFFECTING MUSLIM WORLD, SAYS MALAYSIAN PM

From Muin Abdul Majid

JEDDAH, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said
Malaysia and Saudi Arabia should step up efforts to address outstanding problems
facing the Muslim world.

Najib said relations between the two countries should go beyond the economic
sphere.

"Saudi Arabia is a very important country for us in terms of forging
further cooperation to promote the cause of Muslims," he said.

The prime minister said this when addressing a gathering organised by the
Malaysia Business Council here Friday night in conjunction with his four-day
official visit to Saudi Arabia.

Najib is scheduled to have an audience with King Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Saud
in Riyadh on Saturday.

"I'd like to discuss with His Majesty not only how best to enhance
economic ties between the two countries but also the need for us to work more
closely together to help resolve issues affecting the Muslim community," he
said.

Such issues, he said, would include those involving Muslims in
conflict-prone areas.

The prime minister also touched on the need to tackle the distorted image
of Islam and Muslims.

"There's a lot of negativity being thrown in the direction of Muslims in
many parts of the world," Najib said.
-- BERNAMA


Attachments: