Pakistan and Malaysia expressed satisfaction on Monday regarding the steady progress in bilateral cooperation, and agreed to continue working together to explore new avenues for collaboration, including investment and joint ventures in multiple sectors.
The bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed in a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim at his office, namely Perdana Putra in Kuala Lumpur.
During the meeting, both leaders agreed to continue exploring new avenues for collaboration in key sectors such as information technology, telecommunications, the Halal industry, automotive, connectivity, green energy, electrical and electronic manufacturing, tourism, higher education, climate change, and agriculture.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia, was received with an official welcome ceremony upon his arrival.
A smaller group meeting followed, before the delegation-level talks between the two countries, under the leadership of the two prime ministers.
The prime minister thanked his Malaysian counterpart for the exceptionally warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and members of his delegation.
The two leaders, during their “highly constructive and fruitful” meeting, expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing progress in bilateral relations since Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan in October 2024.
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening economic and trade ties, with particular focus on expanding cooperation in key sectors.
Both leaders had a detailed exchange of views on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further expand Pakistan-Malaysia cooperation, with particular focus on further strengthening economic and trade ties.
Both sides also agreed to enhance the quota of halal meat export from Pakistan to Malaysia to $200 million.
They also noted that Pakistan’s rice exports to Malaysia had exceeded expectations, surpassing their agreed quotas.
In addition to their bilateral talks, the two leaders held extensive discussions on major regional and international issues, including the situation in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Pakistan’s constructive role in the ongoing peace efforts in Palestine, including its involvement in the recent initiative under US President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised the importance of increased cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
He particularly highlighted the complex challenges facing the Islamic world.
He reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and thanked Malaysia for its steadfast support for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions.
The two leaders discussed ways to bolster Pakistan’s engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Malaysia’s assumption of the Chair of ASEAN and thanked him for reaffirming Malaysia’s support for Pakistan’s bid to become a Full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact to follow up on the important decisions made during the talks.
They also committed to keeping each other informed of their perspectives on key international developments.
At the conclusion of their discussions, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of several MoUs, covering a range of areas including diplomatic training, tourism, halal certification, higher education, anti-corruption efforts, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
On this occasion, the two prime ministers launched the Urdu translation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s seminal work, SCRIPT, which outlines his vision for leadership and governance.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also hosted a special luncheon in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation, marking the conclusion of a successful and productive meeting.
