Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim Embarks on Official Visit to Pakistan

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Islamabad for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan. Key discussions will include trade, connectivity, energy, and cultural exchanges, alongside regional issues like the Palestine conflict. The visit will also feature the signing of important agreements and the launch of translated works by Allama Iqbal.

ISLAMABAD: Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commenced a three-day official visit to Islamabad, with the objective of revitalizing the strategic partnership between Malaysia and Pakistan. Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, he was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Accompanying the Malaysian Prime Minister is a notable delegation that comprises 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 for Religious Affairs, Senator Dr. Zulkifli bin Hasan. Prior to the Prime Minister’s arrival, Foreign Minister Mohammad engaged in preliminary discussions with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar. A formal meeting between the two prime ministers is anticipated to take place on Thursday, focusing on reviewing current cooperative initiatives and identifying new pathways to fortify bilateral relations. Discussions are expected to cover a plethora of key issues, including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, the halal industry, tourism, cultural exchanges, and the promotion of deeper interpersonal connections between the citizens of both nations. Malaysia and Pakistan have maintained a strategic partnership since 2019, which is expected to be reinforced through this visit. The leaders will also deliberate on regional and international concerns of shared interest, particularly focusing on the Palestine conflict, the Israeli incursions in Lebanon, and the evolving dynamics within the Middle East. After their meeting, they will preside over the signing of two significant documents: a memorandum of understanding 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). Furthermore, the visit will see the launch of three translated works of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, originally written in Persian, Urdu, and English, into Bahasa Melayu. Prime Minister Anwar is also slated to deliver a lecture at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), where he will receive an honorary doctorate in philosophy. Additionally, he is scheduled to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari, who will present him with Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Nishan-i-Pakistan. It is noteworthy that trade between Malaysia and Pakistan witnessed a decline in 2023, totaling $1.4 billion, which reflects an 18 percent decrease from the $1.78 billion reported in 2022. The Foreign Office has asserted that Prime Minister Anwar’s visit signifies a vital opportunity to enhance the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Malaysia.

The bilateral relations between Malaysia and Pakistan have been grounded in a strong strategic partnership since 2019. This partnership encompasses various sectors such as trade, cultural exchanges, and mutual political support in regional and international forums. The recent decline in trade figures highlights the importance of high-level engagements to rejuvenate economic ties and mutual cooperation. Given the complex geopolitical landscape, leaders from both nations are also focusing on collaborative efforts to address mutual interests, particularly in the context of regional stability and economic development.

In summary, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Pakistan presents a pivotal moment for both nations to reinforce their strategic partnership. With a focus on expanding cooperation in multiple sectors and addressing significant regional issues, this visit is poised to strengthen economic ties and foster greater mutual understanding. The outcomes of their discussions and the agreements signed during this visit will likely play a crucial role in elevating Pakistan-Malaysia relations.

Original Source: www.dawn.com