We have discussed the bilateral cooperation which can be explored in the field of medicine, says Dr Wan Azizah

By BERNAMA

DOHA • Malaysia is expected to a sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qatar on health cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said yesterday.

She said this was raised during her meeting with Qatar’s Public Health Minister Dr Hanan Al Kuwari in Doha.

“We have discussed the potential of bilateral cooperation which can be explored in the field of medicine, among them are investment in the healthcare industry, Malaysia as a medical tourism destination for Qataris, pharmaceuticals and research,” she said.

Speaking to the Malaysian media at the end of her threeday official visit to Qatar, Dr Wan Azizah said Dr Hanan has also expressed interest in visiting Malaysia which will allow further discussions to be held.

The DPM said she is pleased with her visit to Qatar, which is deemed to have further strengthened the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Qatar.

“I believe and am confident that the issues discussed during this visit will be the basis for discussions between Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the Emir of Qatar during the latter’s visit to Malaysia from Dec 5 to 7,” she said.

Dr Wan Azizah yesterday also met with the country’s DPM and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid Mohammed Al Attiyah.

She said during the meeting, Dr Khalid also shared about the National Service Training programme being implemented for 17- to 18-year-olds in Qatar, and expressed his willingness to help Malaysia in the matter if required.

Dr Wan Azizah’s visit to Qatar is her first since being appointed DPM following Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 14th General Election.

She was accompanied by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Marzuki Yahya and Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah.