Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia will visit Pakistan from October 2 to 4, marking his first official meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit aims to strengthen Malaysia-Pakistan ties through strategic discussions and the signing of key agreements. Notable events include a lecture at NUST, the presentation of an honorary doctorate, and the awarding of the Nishan-e-Pakistan. Total trade between the two nations amounts to RM7.84 billion, further cementing their economic relationship.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to embark on his inaugural official visit to Pakistan from October 2 to October 4. This visit, which is at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to reinforce ties between Malaysia and Pakistan through critical discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. In a statement released by Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, Wisma Putra, it was highlighted that this marks the first official engagement between the two leaders since Anwar assumed office in November 2022. Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Anwar will be greeted with an official welcoming ceremony, followed by a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz, who will subsequently host an official luncheon in Anwar’s honor. The bilateral meeting is expected to offer both leaders the opportunity to review existing cooperative initiatives and to explore new measures for strengthening the bilateral relationship, particularly after its elevation to Strategic Partnership status in 2019. They will also engage in discussions surrounding regional and international affairs of common interest. As a tangible outcome of the visit, both prime ministers will witness the signing and exchange of two significant documents. The first is a memorandum of understanding between the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. The second is a Letter of Cooperation between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Following this ceremony, there will be a special launch of three translated works of the distinguished Pakistani poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, offered in Malay translation from Persian, Urdu, and English. In addition to these events, Prime Minister Anwar is slated to deliver a lecture at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), where he will also be honored with an honorary doctorate in philosophy. Furthermore, during his visit, he is expected to meet with the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, before attending a state banquet. It is anticipated that during this meeting, the President will present Anwar with Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Nishan-e-Pakistan. Accompanying Prime Minister Anwar on this official trip will be Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr. Zulkifli Hasan. The total trade volume between Malaysia and Pakistan recently stood at RM7.84 billion (approximately USD 1.4 billion), reflecting a decrease of 18 percent from 2022. Significant trade goods between the two nations include palm oil, textiles, chemicals, and electronic products. Pakistan ranks as Malaysia’s 35th largest trading partner and plays a critical role as Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner among South Asian nations. As of June 2024, Malaysia hosts 4,666 Pakistani students within its public and private institutions of higher learning.
The upcoming official visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan serves as a pivotal moment in Malaysia-Pakistan relations, which were upgraded to the status of Strategic Partnership in 2019. This visit comes shortly after Anwar’s assumption of office, highlighting the importance both countries place on diplomatic engagement. With an array of planned discussions, this visit aims not only to bolster economic ties but also to address regional and international issues collaboratively. The involvement of various ministers from Malaysia underscores the multifaceted approach to strengthening these bilateral ties, which encompass trade, culture, and education. Particularly noteworthy is the engagement with Pakistani officials aimed at drafting agreements that could facilitate market expansion and trade opportunities, enhancing mutual benefits.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s forthcoming visit to Pakistan signifies a strategic effort to reinforce and expand the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan. Through a series of negotiations, agreements, and cultural engagements, this official visit is poised to set a positive trajectory for future cooperation. The interactions between the prime ministers and subsequent ceremonies aim to further solidify the ties established in past years, demonstrating a commitment to mutual growth and collaboration.
Original Source: bernama.com
