Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia will visit Pakistan from October 2-4, 2023, to enhance bilateral ties through strategic discussions and cooperation initiatives. The visit includes crucial agreements in trade and telecommunications, an honorary doctorate ceremony, and a state banquet with President Zardari, where Anwar is expected to receive the Nishan-e-Pakistan award. Trade between the nations stands at RM7.84 billion, with planned efforts to revitalize this relationship.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia is scheduled to embark on his inaugural official visit to Pakistan from October 2 to 4, 2023, with the objective of enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations. This visit, extending at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, represents the first formal meeting between the two leaders since Prime Minister Anwar assumed office in November 2022. The agenda for the visit includes an official welcoming ceremony and a bilateral meeting, during which both prime ministers are expected to assess current partnerships and deliberate on further initiatives to reinforce collaboration, particularly following the upgrade to a Strategic Partnership in 2019. They are also anticipated to address regional and international issues of shared interest. A significant aspect of the visit will be the signing and exchange of two important documents: a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, and a Letter of Cooperation between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Additionally, Anwar will witness the launch of three translated works by the esteemed Pakistani poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal into the Malaysian language. Prime Minister Anwar is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and will receive an honorary doctorate in philosophy from the institution. Furthermore, he is set to meet President Asif Ali Zardari before attending a state banquet, where he is expected to receive the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civilian award. During this visit, Prime Minister Anwar will be accompanied by key Malaysian ministers, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. As a context, the total trade volume between Malaysia and Pakistan is reported to be RM7.84 billion (approximately USD 1.4 billion), reflecting an 18% decrease from the previous year. Trade encompasses various sectors, including palm oil, textiles, chemicals, and electronics. In terms of educational ties, as of June 2024, there are 4,666 students from Pakistan enrolled in Malaysian higher education institutions.
The visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan is a critical step in strengthening Malaysia-Pakistan relations, which have already been elevated to a Strategic Partnership since 2019. Historically, both nations have enjoyed cooperative ties, and this visit aims to revitalize and explore new avenues for collaboration across various sectors. The importance of such diplomatic meetings cannot be understated in the context of global trade and education, particularly given the significant presence of Pakistani students in Malaysia. The strategic nature of this relationship was underscored by the planned signing of key agreements in trade and telecommunications, which are expected to foster closer economic relations. Additionally, the acknowledgment of cultural contributions through the works of Allama Iqbal highlights the bilateral commitment to engaging in cultural diplomacy alongside economic collaboration.
In summary, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming visit to Pakistan marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Pakistan. The trip focuses on enhancing bilateral cooperation through strategic discussions, the signing of crucial agreements, and cultural exchanges. With trade figures indicating a need for revitalization, this visit provides an opportunity for both governments to renew commitments and explore new opportunities for collaboration, ultimately benefiting both nations and their communities.
Original Source: bernama.com
