Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday thanked Malaysia for its warm hospitality, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties with the Southeast Asian nation.
Addressing a joint press conference with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, during an official visit, Sharif highlighted mutual cooperation in trade, education, and regional peace. “Our relations have strengthened over time, and I thank the people of Malaysia for their heartfelt welcome,” he said. “Malaysia is like a second home to us,” he added.
The prime minister is currently on a three-day official visit to Malaysia. He received a guard of honor and a warm welcome by P.M. Ibrahim upon his arrival.
In his address, Sharif acknowledged Ibrahim’s significant role in Malaysia’s development, describing him as a leader of remarkable qualities. “Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan was a memorable one, and we had very positive discussions,” he said, welcoming Malaysia’s decision to import halal meat worth $200 million from Pakistan. “We will continue to expand halal meat trade with the passage of time,” he said, expressing interest in pursuing joint ventures and collaboration to benefit from Malaysia’s expertise.
The prime minister noted that a large number of Pakistani students are currently studying in Malaysia and appreciated the opportunities available to them. In total, 150,000 Pakistanis in Malaysia are contributing to national building efforts, he said. “I think all this put together gives us great encouragement and hope that we can use this potential and make our economies stronger,” he said.
Sharif noted an Urdu translation of Ibrahim’s book had been launched, detailing the latter’s vision of sustainability, innovation, research and development. “These are the great virtues and values that brother Ibrahim has inked in this script and I think it will speak across borders for this generation and coming generations,” he said.
Ibrahim, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of peace between Pakistan and India for regional stability. “Peace between Pakistan and India is vital for our region,” he said, while assuring all possible cooperation in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism. Acknowledging the presence and contribution of Pakistani professionals and students in Malaysian universities, he noted his country had increased the import of rice from Pakistan.
Calling Sharif a “brother,” Ibrahim said the former had encouraged cooperation in information technology and science, technology, engineering, and math. “Pakistan was among the Muslim countries who were clearly far ahead initially in these fields and that potential is still there. Now that we have secured stability in the country, we certainly will welcome further collaboration,” he said.
The Malaysian premier also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s stance on the Palestine and Gaza issue. “We jointly look favorably at the 20-point peace initiative by U.S. President Donald trump. Although Malaysia does express some concerns, but at least on the point of cessation of hostilities, stopping the insane bombings and killings by the Zionist Israeli regime, that at least is a clear position taken by Arab countries, Muslim countries, and most of the countries in the world now,” he said, hoping for peace in the Palestinian enclave. “Our joint position in supporting this peace initiative would probably further help this desire to achieve durable peace,” he added.
Bilateral cooperation
Ahead of his visit on Sunday, the prime minister posted on X, expressing anticipation for a thorough exchange of views with his Malaysian counterpart. Highlighting the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening trade and economic cooperation, he said he was undertaking the visit on the invitation of Ibrahim. “Greatly looking forward to a comprehensive exchange of views on our common desire to enhance trade and economic engagement as well as bilateral cooperation in various fields,” he said, adding that important global and regional matters would be discussed.