Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commenced a three-day official visit to Pakistan, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. Key discussions will address trade, regional issues, and cultural exchanges, with plans for signing significant agreements. The visit is an opportunity to revitalize trade relations, which have seen a decline, and address regional security concerns.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Islamabad for a three-day official visit, designed to revitalize the strategic partnership between Malaysia and Pakistan. Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, he was greeted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Malaysian delegation accompanying the Prime Minister includes key figures such as Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hassan, Minister of International Trade and Industry Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Haji Hasbi Bin Haji Habibollah, and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr. Zulkifli bin Hasan. Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Mohammad met with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar for preparatory discussions ahead of the official talks between the two prime ministers. The formal meeting is scheduled for Thursday, where they will evaluate the current status of cooperation and identify new opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties. Key topics for discussion include trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, the halal industry, tourism, and cultural exchanges to enhance people-to-people relations. Malaysia and Pakistan have maintained a strategic partnership since 2019. Furthermore, the leaders will participate in discussions regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern, notably the Palestine conflict, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, and the evolving situation in the Middle East. Following their discussions, they will witness the signing of two significant documents: a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between 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). During his visit, Prime Minister Anwar is set to launch three translated works of Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Bahasa Melayu. He is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), where he will receive an honorary doctorate in philosophy. Additionally, Prime Minister Anwar will meet with former President Asif Ali Zardari, who will confer upon him Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Nishan-i-Pakistan. Trade between Malaysia and Pakistan reached $1.4 billion in 2023, marking an 18 percent decrease from the previous year’s $1.78 billion. The Foreign Office indicated that the Prime Minister’s visit represents a crucial opportunity to enhance relations between the two nations.
The official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan is a strategic effort aimed at revitalizing and strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries. Since establishing a strategic partnership in 2019, Malaysia and Pakistan have cooperated across multiple sectors, although trade figures indicate a decline in recent years, necessitating renewed dialogue and collaboration. The visit is significant not only for bilateral trade and cooperation but also for discussions on pressing regional issues, enhancing cultural ties, and fostering mutual interests.
In summary, the arrival of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Islamabad marks a pivotal moment for Malaysia-Pakistan relations, with comprehensive discussions planned to invigorate their strategic partnership. The visit encompasses significant trade discussions, cultural exchanges, and a focus on mutual regional concerns, underscoring the importance of maintaining and strengthening these ties in a changing geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
