ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Pakistan and Malaysia on Saturday agreed to establish a joint working group between their interior ministries to promote institutional cooperation, with a focus on counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, cybercrime and the prevention of illegal immigration.
The understanding was reached during delegation-level talks between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
According to officials, the discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, prevention of illegal immigration and cybercrime. Cooperation in the areas of coast guards and training programmes also came under discussion.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between the National Police Academy of Pakistan and the Royal Malaysia Police College.
The two ministers also discussed promoting tourism between Pakistan and Malaysia and facilitating visa procedures.
Mr Naqvi expressed hope that the Malaysian minister’s visit would prove to be an important milestone in taking bilateral relations to the next level. He said an increase in the work quota for Pakistanis would enable more Pakistani citizens to travel to Malaysia through legal channels. It was also agreed that a high-level Pakistani delegation would soon visit Malaysia to further advance bilateral ties.
‘Unified efforts’
Separately, Mr Ismail also met President Asif Ali Zardari, who called for a deepening strategic alliance between Pakistan and Malaysia.
During the meeting, Mr Zardari highlighted the critical need for unified efforts to combat transnational networks involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling, signalling a major step towards regional security stabilisation.
Mr Zardari appreciated the positive progress in strengthening institutional cooperation, particularly in internal security, immigration, and legal and judicial matters.
