PUTRAJAYA: Pakistan and Malaysia on Monday expressing satisfaction on the steady progress in bilateral cooperation, 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 Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim at his office, namely Perdana Putra.
It was agreed that both sides would continue exploring new avenues for cooperation in information technology and telecommunications, the Halal industry, automotive, connectivity, green energy, electrical and electronic manufacturing, tourism, higher education, climate change and agriculture.
Upon arrival, the prime minister was greeted by an official welcome ceremony followed by a smaller group meeting between the two leaders before the delegation-level talks between the two countries, under the leadership of the two prime ministers.
The prime minister, who is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia, thanked his Malaysian counterpart for the exceptionally warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and members of his delegation.
During their “highly constructive and fruitful” meeting, the two leaders expressed their satisfaction on the steady progress in bilateral cooperation between both sides, following the Malaysian prime minister’s visit to Pakistan in October 2024.
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 exports from Pakistan to Malaysia to USD 200 million. They also expressed their satisfaction on the exports of rice from Pakistan to Malaysia, which had, in fact, exceeded its quota.
Both leaders also held detailed discussions on major regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East. The Malaysian prime minister praised Pakistan’s efforts in a constructive role in the ongoing peace efforts in Palestine, including under the recent initiative of President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia at multilateral forums including the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), particularly in the context of 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 further deliberated on strengthening Pakistan–ASEAN engagement. While congratulating the Malaysian prime minister on Malaysia’s assumption of the Chair of ASEAN, Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked Anwar Ibrahim for reaffirmation of Malaysia’s support for Pakistan’s bid to become a Full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close consultation to follow up on the important decisions taken to enhance bilateral cooperation between both sides as well as to keep each other informed of their perspectives on major international affairs.
Following the talks, the leaders witnessed an exchange of a number of MoUs between the two countries in the fields of training of diplomats, tourism, halal certification, higher education, combating and preventing corruption and small and medium enterprises.
On this occasion, the two prime ministers launched the Urdu translation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s seminal work, SCRIPT, that presents his vision and values on leadership.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also hosted a special luncheon in honor of Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation.
