Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad was optimistic when he left Sweden Wednesday morning 24 September after a hectic three-day official visit.
“I hope that from now on there will be acceleration in the interest of Sweden towards Malaysia,” said Dr Mahathir to national news agency Bernama after bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Goran Persson.
Mr Persson said Malaysia is an extremely interesting partner in the international forum, referring to its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and the incoming one for the Organisation of Islamic Conference as two important positions of the country.
The major business meetings on Dr Mahathir’s agenda included visits to Sweden’s most famous medical science research institute, Karolinska Institutet and the telecom giant Ericsson’s Kista facilities and talks with CEO Carl-Henric Svanberg. Malaysia’s Prime Minister did later inspect a Swedish-made prototype patrol boat before being hosted to a dinner by Investor AB, the large Swedish holding company that manages most of the Wallenberg industries.
Dr Mahathir did also mention tourism as a promising area for developing further bilateral cooperation between both countries.
“People-to-people contacts through tourism are an important aspect in promoting further understanding between our peoples. We are happy to note that Malaysia continues to be a popular destination for Swedish travellers,” said the Prime Minister. “And we assure you that Malaysia is a safe place for tourists.”
