ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, education, and defence.
At a joint news conference in Islamabad today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, highlighted the extensive discussions held during their meeting.
He said that topics ranged from trade and investment opportunities to strategic and defence collaboration, as well as advancements in tourism, agriculture, semiconductors, green energy, skilled labor, and youth empowerment.
Prime Minister Sharif mentioned the potential export of Halal meat valued at $200 million annually, along with discussions on the sale of basmati rice. He assured his Malaysian counterpart that Pakistan is committed to maintaining high-quality standards in these exports.
He also noted the significant number of Pakistani students receiving quality education in Malaysia and expressed confidence that Malaysian students would be welcomed to study in Pakistan as well.
Shehbaz Sharif praised Malaysia’s position on Gaza and the plight of the Palestinian people, emphasizing that the unresolved issue of Kashmir remains a serious concern for global peace, with Kashmiris fighting for their right to self-determination.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to open a trade office in Karachi next month to facilitate increased bilateral trade, particularly in Halal meat and rice imports from Pakistan.
Regarding skilled labor, Ibrahim pointed out a focus on professionals in information technology, digital fields, and artificial intelligence. He highlighted Malaysia’s status as a hub for the semiconductor industry and expressed interest in collaboration in this area.
The Malaysian Prime Minister also discussed the establishment of special economic zones and addressed matters related to trade, investment, and military procurement. He expressed a desire to increase flight connectivity between Malaysia and Pakistan, as well as to welcome more Pakistani tourists.
Furthermore, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated his support for Pakistan’s stance on Gaza and Palestine, emphasizing a commitment to UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir and the need for a peaceful resolution to the issue.
He commended the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the philosophy of Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal.
