India is an important partner, the Malaysian Prime Minister said

Describing India as an important partner, newly appointed Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia looks forward to working closely to strengthen relations with the country.

Responding to a tweet from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election as the country's 10th Prime Minister, Anwar tweeted, "Thank you PM @narendramodi. India is an important partner for Malaysia. I'm looking forward to working closely with you to strengthen ties and cooperation in various areas including trade, investment and culture."

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Anwar on his new position and expressed interest in advancing the strategic partnership between India and Malaysia. On Twitter, he wrote, "Congratulations Dato’ Seri @anwaribrahim on your election as the Prime Minister of Malaysia. I look forward to working closely together to further strengthen India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership."

Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as Prime Minister before the monarch in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, breaking a five-day political deadlock following the elections.

After no party was able to obtain a majority to form a government for the first time since Malaysia's independence in 1957, the swearing-in at the National Palace put an end to one of the most eventful elections in the country's history.