KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in infrastructure development and road safety for mutual benefit.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the matter was discussed with Saudi Arabia Vice Minister of Transport Badr Bin Abdullah Al-Dulami and Kazakh Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev when the two leaders paid a courtesy call on him in conjunction with the 27th World Road Congress 2023, organised by the Permanent International Association of Road Congresses (PIARC) in Prague, Czech Republic.
Nanta said during the meeting with the Saudi Arabian delegation, both parties exchanged views on a variety of issues and were committed to strengthening strategic cooperation in the areas of road safety and maintenance in both countries.
“I believe that Malaysia has much to learn from Saudi Arabia, and vice versa. Therefore, both parties have agreed to explore avenues and opportunities that can be utilised for mutual benefit,” he said in a statement today.
The Saudi Arabian delegation, according to Nanta, also expressed interest in learning about Malaysia’s road safety initiatives, especially the MYJalan campaign, which is being actively implemented nationwide, and the two countries agreed to hold further discussions regarding the matter soon.
During the meeting, Nanta expressed the Malaysian government’s support for Saudi Arabia in its bid to host the World Expo 2030.
Meanwhile, he said, the Kazakh delegation led by Marat had expressed interest in bringing in Malaysia’s expertise in constructing, developing and managing port infrastructure in the republic.
“I strongly welcome the proposal, which demonstrates that Malaysia’s expertise in infrastructure construction has garnered international interest.
“ I sincerely hope that this cooperation, which will create investment opportunities for both countries, can be realised.
“I will bring this proposal to the relevant ministry and agency for discussion before being tabled to the Cabinet for consideration,” he said. – BERNAMA
