ISLAMABAD, July 21: Pakistan and Malaysia Monday signed an agreement to promote bilateral relations between the two countries in the fields of culture, tourism, sports, youth affairs and education.

The agreement was signed here at the ministry of tourism and culture by Malaysian High Commissioner in Pakistan Gen Tan Sri Md. Hashmim Bin Hussein and Federal Secretary Tourism, Culture, Sports, Minorities and Youth Affairs Khalid Latif on behalf of their respective governments.

The five-year agreement would promote exchange of delegations between the two countries in different fields and enhance the volume of tourism with a relaxation in immigration rules and expanding direct flights of the Malaysian Airlines and the PIA and by joining hands in developing infrastructure with active engagement of the private sector.

Under the terms of the agreement, both sides shall exchange exhibitions of archaeological artifacts, folklore and folk crafts.

The two sides shall exchange visits of professors, scholars, science educators, writers, and men of letters so that they survey and study each other’s system of education.

Both sides shall exchange pop groups, folk and art ensembles. They may hold feature film festivals in each other’s country along with exhibition of film posters.

The two sides shall encourage exchange of travel writers/journalists, tour operators, publicity and promotional material, familiarization trips between the two countries.

Tourism and Culture Minister Rais Munir Ahmed hoped that the cultural interaction and the agreement signed Monday would help both the countries promote peace in the world.

He said the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Malaysia were deep-rooted and the two countries could now work together closely to face the multiple challenges of the new century for the benefit of the Muslim World.

He said the two countries were best suited to share their knowledge in the fields of culture, tourism, archaeology and sports.

He said even though the two countries shared a common cultural heritage and values, the cultural exchanges were not very frequent.

He hoped that the visit of the Malaysian delegation would promote cultural interaction in the future and help the people of the two countries come even closer.

The minister also appreciated the excellent performance of the cultural troupe from Malaysia in the federal capital.

He said the modalities to promote cultural relations and to expand the tourists between the two countries would be finalized by the officials of the two countries later on. —APP