Islamabad Staff Reporter
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim have expressed satisfaction over the continued progress in bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Malaysia. The two leaders agreed to explore new avenues for enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz Sharif, who is on an official visit to Malaysia, met with PM Anwar Ibrahim on Monday. A formal welcome ceremony was held in honor of the visiting Prime Minister at Perdana Putra, followed by a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders and delegation-level talks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Malaysian Prime Minister for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. During the meeting, both leaders reviewed progress made since PM Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan in October 2024 and discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and trade domains.
The two leaders renewed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations and agreed to work together in sectors such as information technology and telecommunications, the halal industry, automotive, connectivity, green energy, electrical and electronic manufacturing, tourism, higher education, climate change, and agriculture. They also emphasized promoting joint ventures and investment in these areas.
A significant development during the talks was the agreement to increase Pakistan’s halal meat export quota to Malaysia to $200 million. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the substantial export of rice from Pakistan to Malaysia, which has already surpassed the agreed quota.
The leaders also discussed important regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Pakistan’s constructive role in advocating for peace in Palestine and acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, including responses to recent initiatives by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and appreciated Malaysia’s continued support on the issue.
The two Prime Ministers also reviewed Pakistan–ASEAN relations, with PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulating PM Anwar on assuming ASEAN chairmanship. He also thanked Malaysia for supporting Pakistan’s bid to become a full dialogue partner of ASEAN.
During the visit, both leaders participated in a ceremony for the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering diplomatic training, tourism, halal certification, higher education, anti-corruption cooperation, and the promotion of small and medium enterprises.
The event also included the launch of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s book “Script,” which outlines his views on leadership. A luncheon was hosted in honor of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation by the Malaysian Prime Minister.
