KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan and Malaysia share “excellent relations” based on trust, shared values, and brotherhood, as he met his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Shehbaz said Malaysia felt like a second home because of the warmth of its people. He praised Anwar’s leadership for transforming Malaysia into a developed nation and said both countries were working on joint projects to boost trade and investment.
“A large number of Pakistani students are studying in Malaysia, and we are exploring joint ventures to benefit from your experience,” Shehbaz said. He welcomed Malaysia’s decision to import $200 million worth of halal meat from Pakistan, saying trade in the sector would grow further in the coming years.
Pakistan to enhance Halal food export
Both leaders discussed cooperation in trade, investment, education, information technology, and the halal industry. Officials from both sides signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance collaboration, including agreements on anti-corruption measures and bilateral trade promotion.
Shehbaz also attended the launch of the Urdu translation of Anwar Ibrahim’s book Script, describing it as “a bridge of understanding between Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur.”
Malaysia welcomes Pakistan’s role
Anwar Ibrahim described Shehbaz as his “brother” and expressed Malaysia’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in IT, science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Pakistan was once among the Muslim countries leading in these areas — that potential still exists,” Anwar said. He praised Pakistani students and professionals in Malaysia and noted an increase in rice and meat imports from Pakistan.
Anwar said peace between Pakistan and India was essential for regional stability and reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to working with Pakistan on counterterrorism initiatives.
Shared stance on Gaza and regional peace
The two leaders also discussed the situation in Gaza, agreeing to jointly oppose Israeli aggression and support international peace efforts. Anwar praised Pakistan’s firm stance on Palestine and reaffirmed Malaysia’s solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Warm Welcome of PM Shehbaz
Earlier, Anwar received Shehbaz at the Prime Minister’s Office, Perdana Putra, where the Malaysian Armed Forces presented a guard of honour. Both national anthems were played during the ceremony.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi were part of the Pakistani delegation.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, IT, the halal industry, investment, energy, infrastructure, digital economy, and people-to-people exchanges. The FO said the visit reflected the “long-standing partnership between Pakistan and Malaysia based on mutual respect and shared interests.”
Before his departure, Shehbaz said he expected the visit to open a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, with greater emphasis on economic cooperation and joint ventures.
Also Read: Pakistan, Malaysia pledge to boost trade, investment ties
“We have had fruitful discussions on promoting mutual cooperation, investment, and launching joint projects,” he said.
Bilateral investment between Pakistan and Malaysia reached $397 million earlier this year, underscoring the strength of economic, cultural, and religious ties between the two countries.
