Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan and Malaysia share “excellent relations” built on trust, shared values, and brotherhood.
Speaking alongside his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, he said Malaysia felt like a second home due to the warmth of its people.
Shehbaz praised Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership for transforming Malaysia into a developed nation and said the two countries are now working toward joint projects to expand trade and investment.
“A large number of Pakistani students are studying in Malaysia, and we are looking for joint ventures to benefit from your experience,” the prime minister said.
He also welcomed Malaysia’s decision to import $200 million worth of halal meat from Pakistan, adding that trade in this sector would further increase over time.
Focus on trade, investment, and Halal industry
During the joint press conference, both leaders discussed opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, education, IT, and the halal industry. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance cooperation in these areas, including agreements on anti-corruption measures and bilateral trade promotion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also attended the launching ceremony of the Urdu translation of Anwar Ibrahim’s book Script, calling it “a bridge of understanding between Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur.”
Malaysia welcomes Pakistan’s role
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described Shehbaz Sharif as his “brother” and emphasized Malaysia’s desire to strengthen ties with Pakistan in fields like information technology, science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Pakistan was once among the Muslim countries leading in these areas — that potential still exists,” Anwar said.
He appreciated the role of Pakistani students and professionals in Malaysia and noted that Malaysia has increased rice imports from Pakistan while showing interest in expanding meat imports.
The Malaysian leader said that peace between Pakistan and India was vital for regional stability and reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to cooperating in counterterrorism efforts.
Shared stance on Gaza and regional peace
Both leaders discussed the situation in Gaza, agreeing to raise their collective voice against Zionist aggression and support international efforts for peace.
Anwar Ibrahim praised Pakistan’s clear stance on Palestine, noting Malaysia’s shared concerns and solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Warm welcome and guard of honour
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was welcomed by his Malaysian counterpart at the Prime Minister’s Office, “Perdana Patra”, where a guard of honour was presented by the Malaysian Armed Forces, followed by the playing of both countries’ national anthems.
Members of the Pakistani delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, were also present.
Foreign office on visit
According to the Foreign Office, discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, IT, halal industry, investment, energy, infrastructure, digital economy, and people-to-people exchanges.
The FO described the visit as reflecting the “long-standing partnership between Pakistan and Malaysia based on mutual respect, shared interests, and close cooperation.”
Before his departure, Shehbaz Sharif said he expected the visit to mark a “new chapter” in Pakistan-Malaysia relations, emphasizing the potential for greater economic cooperation and mutual growth.
“We have had fruitful discussions on promoting mutual cooperation, investment, and launching joint projects,” he said.
Economic, religious, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Malaysia have historically remained strong, with bilateral investment reaching $397 million earlier this year.
