ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, counterterrorism, drug control, human trafficking and illegal immigration.
The agreement came during separate meetings between Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and President Asif Ali Zardari and his Pakistani counterpart, Mohsin Naqvi, in Islamabad.
During his meeting with President Zardari, Saifuddin discussed ways to expand security cooperation between the two countries.
The president stressed the need to further strengthen coordination in law enforcement, counterterrorism, drug control, human trafficking and the illegal movement of migrants.
Zardari welcomed the Malaysian minister and his delegation. He said Pakistan attached great importance to its close and brotherly ties with Malaysia.
He said the two countries shared common faith, culture, mutual respect and strong people-to-people links.
The president also welcomed progress in institutional cooperation, particularly in internal security, immigration and legal and judicial affairs.
He said continued coordination between relevant institutions would help facilitate travel and other matters for citizens of both countries.
The two sides also discussed ways to increase bilateral trade.
Zardari called for greater access to Malaysian markets for Pakistani products. He highlighted products that have demand in Malaysia, including rice, potatoes, wheat, poultry products and animal feed.
Saifuddin said Pakistan and Malaysia would mark 69 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. The two countries established diplomatic ties in 1957, following Malaysia’s independence.
He also said 14 weekly flights currently connect different Pakistani cities with Malaysia. He added that efforts were underway to increase air links between the two countries.
Zardari expressed hope that the Malaysian minister’s visit would further strengthen institutional ties.
He said the visit could also deepen the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia.
Pakistan, Malaysia Plan Joint Working Group
Meanwhile, the Malaysian delegation held a one-on-one meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Ministry of Interior.
The two ministers later led delegation-level talks.
They discussed greater cooperation against terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and cybercrime.
The two sides also discussed cooperation between coast guard authorities and training programmes.
Moreover, they agreed to establish a joint working group between the two interior ministries.
A senior Pakistani delegation will visit Malaysia soon as part of the initiative.
The two sides also agreed to share intelligence to combat terrorists and drug traffickers.
They agreed to develop a more effective joint strategy against terrorism, drug trafficking and human smuggling.
In addition, they agreed to expand cooperation between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and the Royal Malaysia Police College.
Naqvi said Pakistan wanted to benefit from Malaysia’s experience in the coast guard sector.
“I hope your visit will prove an important milestone in taking relations between the two countries to the next level,” he said.
The minister also described Malaysia as one of the fastest-growing Muslim countries.
The two sides further discussed tourism and easier visa facilities.
Naqvi said Malaysia was an attractive tourism destination for Pakistanis. He also called for an increase in the quota for Pakistani workers so they could travel to Malaysia through legal channels.
Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, Interior Secretary, FIA director general, Federal Constabulary inspector general, National Counter Terrorism Authority coordinator, passport director general, Islamabad chief commissioner and inspector general, and other senior officials also attended the talks.
