Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Strengthen Malaysia-Pakistan Relations with Official Visit

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia will visit Pakistan from October 2 to 4 to strengthen bilateral relations. This visit marks the first official meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif since Anwar took office in 2022. Key activities include the signing of agreements, a lecture at NUST, and the conferral of Pakistan’s highest civilian award. This visit comes amid a decline in trade volume, with ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation in various sectors.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is scheduled to embark on his inaugural official visit to Pakistan from October 2 to 4. This visit aims to strengthen the longstanding relations between Malaysia and Pakistan through strategic discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation. The invitation for this visit was extended by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking the first official encounter between the two leaders since Anwar took office in November 2022. Upon arrival, Prime Minister Anwar will be honored with an official welcoming ceremony, followed by bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz, who will also host a formal luncheon in his honor. The meeting is expected to provide a platform for both leaders to review existing cooperation and explore new initiatives aimed at further reinforcing the bilateral ties that were elevated to Strategic Partnership status in 2019. Additionally, they are anticipated to exchange perspectives on various regional and international issues that are of mutual interest. During the visit, the two prime ministers will oversee the signing of two important agreements: 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). Furthermore, the visit will feature the launch of three translated works by the esteemed Pakistani poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, which have been translated into Bahasa Melayu from Persian, Urdu, and English. Prime Minister Anwar 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, the Malaysian Prime Minister is expected to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and will attend a state banquet hosted by the President. During this meeting, President Zardari is anticipated to confer upon Prime Minister Anwar the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian award in Pakistan. Accompanying Prime Minister Anwar on this visit will be Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs, Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan. In terms of trade dynamics, the total trade volume between Malaysia and Pakistan was recorded at RM7.84 billion (USD 1.4 billion), reflecting an 18 percent decline from RM7.89 billion (USD 1.78 billion) in 2022. While the principal goods exchanged included palm oil, apparel, textiles, and electronic products, Pakistan is ranked as Malaysia’s 35th largest trading partner, 31st largest export destination, and 41st largest import source. Conversely, Malaysia ranks as Pakistan’s 14th largest trading partner and import source. As of June 2024, there are approximately 4,666 Pakistani students enrolled in higher education institutions across Malaysia.

This article discusses the upcoming official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan, emphasizing the significance of this trip in enhancing bilateral relationships. Historically, Malaysia and Pakistan have maintained strong diplomatic ties, which were formalized as a Strategic Partnership in 2019. Anwar’s visit comes at a time when both countries are seeking to elevate trade and cultural exchanges, amidst a complex global geopolitical landscape. The bilateral meeting includes significant agreements pertaining to trade and communication, further highlighting collaborative efforts in various sectors. Additionally, the academic engagement reinforces the educational ties between the two nations, particularly with regard to Pakistani students studying in Malaysia.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Pakistan is a pivotal opportunity to advance Malaysia-Pakistan relations through comprehensive discussions on existing cooperation and future initiatives. The signing of bilateral agreements, the honoring of cultural contributions, and the recognition of Prime Minister Anwar by the Pakistani President signify the mutual commitment to strengthen ties. This visit is expected to lay a solid foundation for enhanced collaboration in trade, education, and cultural exchange, reasserting the importance of historical relationships within the context of evolving international dynamics.

Original Source: bernama.com