Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh significantly enhanced Malaysia’s diplomatic relations, focusing on trade, humanitarian issues, and cultural exchanges. Key discussions included enhancing agricultural exports from Pakistan, addressing the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh, and collaboration in various sectors, with future Free Trade Agreement talks planned.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh have significantly enriched Malaysia’s diplomatic and trade ties with these nations. During his three-day visit to Pakistan, Anwar was welcomed warmly, underscoring the importance of his trip as expressed by Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who greeted him upon arrival at Nur Khan Air Base and bid farewell to him afterward. Anwar’s discussions with the Pakistani leadership highlighted the multifaceted nature of bilateral relations, marked not only by commercial interests but also by shared historical links, cultural values, and mutual goals. Notably, his commitment to Islamic principles and humanitarian causes did not go unnoticed, as he received the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian award from Pakistan, in recognition of his efforts in promoting social justice and interfaith harmony. Furthermore, Anwar’s literary contributions were acknowledged during a press conference where it was announced that his book titled ‘SCRIPT for a Better Malaysia’ will be translated into Urdu, reinforcing the intellectual engagement between the two nations. Trade discussions covered key areas such as agricultural exports and defense cooperation, with Pakistan aiming to elevate its meat exports to Malaysia to US$200 million annually. With bilateral trade pegged at RM7.84 billion (approximately US$1.4 billion), there remains vast potential for enhancing economic ties. To facilitate further cooperation, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) plans to establish an office in Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub. Following his engagement in Pakistan, Prime Minister Anwar visited Bangladesh, where he met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Yunus sought Malaysia’s assistance in helping Bangladesh achieve Sectoral Dialogue Partner status in ASEAN, particularly with Malaysia set to chair the organization in 2025. The ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis was a pressing issue, with Yunus calling for immediate international attention, urging Malaysia to support Bangladesh in addressing this humanitarian challenge. Additionally, both leaders aimed to bolster cooperation in diverse sectors including artificial intelligence, education, defense, and agriculture, with plans in motion to reconvene discussions on a Free Trade Agreement. Anwar’s engagements in both countries mark a pivotal step in forging stronger regional ties, showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing collaborative efforts in various fields.
The article discusses Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent diplomatic missions to Pakistan and Bangladesh, emphasizing the significance of these visits in strengthening Malaysia’s trade and foreign relations with these countries. The discussions spanned multiple sectors including trade, agriculture, defense, and education, along with cultural exchanges and humanitarian issues such as the Rohingya refugee crisis.
In summary, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh have revitalized Malaysia’s bilateral relationships, emphasizing not only economic collaboration but also cultural and humanitarian engagements. The discussions have set the foundation for future cooperation on pressing issues, demonstrating Malaysia’s proactive role in regional diplomacy.
Original Source: www.bernama.com
