Kuala Lumpur, May 2 (IANS) Two Indian Navy ships, INS Kora and INS Kirpan, are here as part of a traditional diplomatic exchange between Malaysia and India. Docked at the Lumut naval base, they are to take part in a joint naval exercise with the Royal Malaysian Navy ships, the New Straits Times said Friday.

“The visit is aimed at strengthening the bonds between the two countries and the two navies in particular.

“The two countries are maritime neighbours and the exchange of visits by naval ships are voyages of friendship which help to strengthen the relationship,” the Indian High Commission said in a statement.

At a reception Tuesday, attended by officers of the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha recalled the traditional historical, cultural and political links between the two countries.

“Kantha expressed his happiness over the substantial enhancement in the defence exchanges between Malaysia and India since the June 2006 visit of Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak,” the statement said.

Perak state assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar, who is of Indian origin, attended the reception on behalf of Menteri Besar (chief minister) Nizar Jamaludin.