ISLAMABAD, Nov 4: Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Saturday a number of agreements and MoUs on cooperation in tourism, counter-terrorism and partial abolition of visa arrangements were being negotiated between his country and Pakistan.

Speaking at a banquet hosted by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at Prime Minister House on Saturday, Mr Badawi hoped that the agreements would further enhance the bilateral collaboration in various fields and bring the two countries closer.

He said a free trade agreement was being finalised between the two countries which would be implemented in early 2,007 and added that it would be the first ever free trade agreement between two members of the Organisation of Islamic Countries.

He said the agreement would further enhance bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.

He said the relations between Pakistan and Malaysia were strong and hoped that the ties would grow stronger in the years to come.

He said Malaysia looked forward to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations with Pakistan next year.

Appreciating the success story of Pakistani economy, the Malaysian prime minister said, “We are really glad to see Pakistan being able to maintain an annual growth rate of about seven per cent.”

He said many Malaysian companies, encouraged by the vibrant economic situation in Pakistan, were keen to invest here.

Mr Badawi said construction was an area where Malaysian companies had vast experiences and they were keen to participate in the construction projects in Pakistan.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s contribution to the OIC, Non-Aligned Movement and other international bodies.

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Aziz stressed the need for countering the challenges posed by the attempts to malign Islam with joint efforts by Muslim states.

Appreciating the efforts of Mr Badawi for competitively heading the OIC in the challenging times, he said Malaysia and Pakistan had closely cooperated in the forum to protect and promote the interests of the Ummat.

He said Pakistan and Malaysia had strong ties reinforced by religious, historical and cultural commonalities and shared aspirations for peace and development.—-APP