ID :
165935
Sat, 03/05/2011 - 08:40
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/165935
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A Sense Of Warmth In Malaysia-Ausrtralia Ties
MELBOURNE (Bernama) -- A sense of warmth filled the air as Prime Minister Najib Razak spoke about Malaysia-Australia relations during his three-day visit to the country which ended Friday.
He expressed his delight during a luncheon hosted by his Australian
counterpart Julia Gillard, saying everything turned out right.
"As someone who has been hosting so many people, you want to get everything right, including the weather. And the weather seems right today," Najib remarked at the luncheon on Thursday.
If the Australian weather had been somewhat chilly compared to Malaysia'shot and humid tropical climate, the temperature on the diplomatic front was just about right.
"(There's) a sense of warmth, of wanting to get closer together," Najib said, describing Australia as a friend and invited the country to take part in Malaysia's transformation plan in its bid to become a developed nation by 2020.
Najib told the luncheon crowd that Malaysia was currently undergoing a transformation process.
"We use the word transformation; transformation is the buzzword. We believe we can do that with the support of our friends like Australia. We need foreign investments, we need talents, education, people-to-people relations, to transform Malaysia," he said.
He then praised the Australian government and the "indomitable spirit and calm resolve of its people" in facing the severe flood disaster which hit the country recently.
Gillard also offered kind words for Najib, describing him as exemplary in the fight against extremism and in upholding the true values of Islam.
"The prime minister with me now is a friend of Australia and a leader in the region," she said as both leaders took to the rostrums at the outset of their scheduled joint press conference after attending restricted and bilateral meetings on Thursday.
Gillard pointed out that Najib's visit to Australia, which was made at her invitation to reciprocate her visit to Malaysia last year, was a milestone in the long friendship between both countries.
At their meeting, Najib and Gillard agreed that Malaysia-Australia relations were now more multi-faceted and stronger than ever.
The two leaders also recognised the breadth and warmth of people-to-people links as the foundation for the bilateral relationship.
A wide spectrum of issues, ranging from economic cooperation, transnational crime and education, were discussed during the high-profile meeting.
A major breakthrough was achieved in the form of commitment by both leaders to strive for a successful conclusion of the long-standing negotiations for a Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), within a year.
Najib had requested that the FTA talks to be accelerated while Gillard agreed with it, saying "it's a good idea".
"We both agree that it would be useful to set a certain timeline," said Najib.
Malaysia and Australia launched the negotiations way back in 2005.
Also of great significance was Najib's assertion that Malaysia would never allow itself to become a transit point for human trafficking and people smuggling, which are among issues of concern in Australia.
Gillard also welcomed Malaysia's recent amendment to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 that criminalised people smuggling.
He expressed his delight during a luncheon hosted by his Australian
counterpart Julia Gillard, saying everything turned out right.
"As someone who has been hosting so many people, you want to get everything right, including the weather. And the weather seems right today," Najib remarked at the luncheon on Thursday.
If the Australian weather had been somewhat chilly compared to Malaysia'shot and humid tropical climate, the temperature on the diplomatic front was just about right.
"(There's) a sense of warmth, of wanting to get closer together," Najib said, describing Australia as a friend and invited the country to take part in Malaysia's transformation plan in its bid to become a developed nation by 2020.
Najib told the luncheon crowd that Malaysia was currently undergoing a transformation process.
"We use the word transformation; transformation is the buzzword. We believe we can do that with the support of our friends like Australia. We need foreign investments, we need talents, education, people-to-people relations, to transform Malaysia," he said.
He then praised the Australian government and the "indomitable spirit and calm resolve of its people" in facing the severe flood disaster which hit the country recently.
Gillard also offered kind words for Najib, describing him as exemplary in the fight against extremism and in upholding the true values of Islam.
"The prime minister with me now is a friend of Australia and a leader in the region," she said as both leaders took to the rostrums at the outset of their scheduled joint press conference after attending restricted and bilateral meetings on Thursday.
Gillard pointed out that Najib's visit to Australia, which was made at her invitation to reciprocate her visit to Malaysia last year, was a milestone in the long friendship between both countries.
At their meeting, Najib and Gillard agreed that Malaysia-Australia relations were now more multi-faceted and stronger than ever.
The two leaders also recognised the breadth and warmth of people-to-people links as the foundation for the bilateral relationship.
A wide spectrum of issues, ranging from economic cooperation, transnational crime and education, were discussed during the high-profile meeting.
A major breakthrough was achieved in the form of commitment by both leaders to strive for a successful conclusion of the long-standing negotiations for a Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), within a year.
Najib had requested that the FTA talks to be accelerated while Gillard agreed with it, saying "it's a good idea".
"We both agree that it would be useful to set a certain timeline," said Najib.
Malaysia and Australia launched the negotiations way back in 2005.
Also of great significance was Najib's assertion that Malaysia would never allow itself to become a transit point for human trafficking and people smuggling, which are among issues of concern in Australia.
Gillard also welcomed Malaysia's recent amendment to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 that criminalised people smuggling.
