Pakistan and Malaysia have reaffirmed their shared commitment to further expand bilateral cooperation with particular focus on further strengthening economic and trade ties.
The resolve was expressed during highly constructive and fruitful meeting between Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya on Monday.
During the 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 last year.
Both the leaders had a detailed exchange of views on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.
The two sides also agreed to continue working together to explore new avenues for collaboration, including investment and joint ventures 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.
Both sides agreed to enhance the import quota of Halal meat exports from Pakistan to Malaysia to 200 million dollars.
They expressed their satisfaction on the exports of rice from Pakistan to Malaysia, which has in fact, exceeded its quota.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim 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 for a constructive role in the ongoing peace efforts in Palestine, including under the recent initiative of President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia at multilateral forums including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, particularly in the context of the complex challenges facing the Islamic world.
The Prime Minister 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, Shehbaz Sharif thanked Anwar Ibrahim for reaffirmation of Malaysia’s support to Pakistan’s bid to become a full dialogue partner of ASEAN.
Both the leaders agreed to remain in close consultation to follow up on the important decisions taken to enhance bilateral cooperation between both sides and to keep each other informed of their perspective on major international affairs.
On this occasion, the two Prime Ministers launched the Urdu translation of the Malaysian 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 the Prime Minister and his delegation.
Earlier, upon arrival at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was greeted by an official welcome ceremony which was followed by a smaller group meeting between the two leaders prior to the delegation level talks that were subsequently held between the two countries, under the leadership of the two Prime Ministers.
The Prime Minister thanked the Malaysian Prime Minister for the exceptionally warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and members of his delegation.
Later, addressing a joint news conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described his meeting with the Malaysian counterpart as productive, emphasizing that both the sides converge on almost all important issues.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan can benefit from Malaysian experiences in technology, IT and AI as well as other areas of economic growth. He expressed Pakistan’s desire to collaborate with Malaysia not only to learn from their expertise but also to pursue joint ventures and mutually beneficial projects.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Malaysian Prime Minister’s announcement of importing two hundred million dollars’ worth of meat from Pakistan. He assured that Pakistan would make all possible efforts to meet all Malaysian conditionalities and terms and conditions.
Referring to the launch of Urdu translation of Malaysian Prime Minister’s Book Script, he said it is a guiding framework of sustainability, mutual respect, compassion, innovation, research and development, progress and prosperity and mutual trust. He was appreciative of the visionary leadership of the Malaysian Prime Minister.
He mentioned that Pakistan is a great nation blessed with immense natural resources and the great minds. He said we are providing opportunities to our youth to acquire modern knowledge. He said Pakistan will have great partnership with Malaysia to achieve its aim of progress and prosperity.
In his remarks on the occasion, the Malaysian Prime Minister alluded to the historic fraternal relations between the two countries. He said the ever expanding economic cooperation between the two countries has been at the forefront from the beginning. He said it is our joint aspiration to further enhance our collaboration in all fields.
He said Malaysia has enhanced the import of Pakistani rice and assured that they will also facilitate the import of beef meat from Pakistan. He also highlighted the scope of cooperation in new technologies.
The Malaysian Prime Minister was appreciative of Pakistan’s stance on Palestine. He said both Pakistan and Malaysia look favourably at the peace initiative of US President Donald Trump.
Pakistan and Malaysia also exchanged MOUs in the areas of training of diplomats, higher education, tourism, Halal Certification, anti-corruption efforts and Small and Medium enterprises.
The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
