Putrajaya:
Pakistan and Malaysia renewed on Monday their long -standing friendship with a wave of high -level commitments, which culminated in the signing of six significant agreements to strengthen cooperation in commerce, education, halal certification, anti -corruption and tourism.
The signing of the six comprehension memorandes (MOU) during the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marks a decisive step towards a deeper strategic association rooted in shared economic objectives and Islamic solidarity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, currently on an official three -day visit to Malaysia by invitation from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, received a ceremonial welcome in the Putra Perdana complex, complete with an honor guard of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Both leaders then directed conversations at the level of delegation that covered a wide range of areas, from economic reform and higher education to regional security and global peace efforts. After the conversations, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of mous.
The MOUS covered collaboration on higher education, diplomatic training, tourism promotion, halic certification, anti -corruption efforts and support for small and medium enterprises (SME).
The ceremony, held at the Office of the Prime Minister in Putrajaya, attended ministers and officials of both parties, including the Vice Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Mohamad Hasan.
In the heart of the renewed association there is an ambitious economic agenda. Malaysia announced plans to import meat worth $ 200 million in Pakistan, a movement seen as a historical development in bilateral trade.
Prime Minister Shehbaz assured his counterpart of Malaysia that Pakistan “would compete in the price, quality and commitment”, promising not only to fulfill but would exceed the goal.
“You announced a $ 200 million share for Pakistan meat exports to Malaysia,” he said. “Allow me to assure our Malaysia partners that we will comply with each halal certification status and exceed expectations. When consumers are satisfied, the sky is the limit.”
Shehbaz also stressed the potential of Pakistan as the fifth largest cotton and milk producer in the world, and the fourth largest mangoes producer, inviting Malaysia investors to take advantage of agriculture and value -added food processing.
“Our mangoes are among the best tastes worldwide,” he said, suggesting that joint companies develop SME -based processing units for export. Malaysia, in turn, expressed interest in increasing palm oil to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, speaking at the Business and Investment Conference of Pakistan -Malasia, which was attended by entrepreneurs from both nations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that sustainable economic progress depended on private company instead of state intervention.
“It is the private sector that must boost the growth engine,” he said. “Governments can only lay the bases and provide the framework. Businesses must be administered by business houses, companies and experts, not by the government.”
He praised the economic transformation of Malaysia under the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim, describing it as “nothing less than a miracle”, and expressed his confidence that Pakistan could achieve similar results through consistency, investment and regional cooperation.
Currently under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, Shehbaz said Pakistan aimed to achieve economic independence in two years. “If the entrepreneurs from both parties commit to joint companies and lasting associations, we can say goodbye to the IMF forever,” he said.
Both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in information technology, telecommunications, halal industry, automotive production, green energy, tourism, higher education and agriculture. They also discussed collaboration in the mitigation of electrical and electronic manufacture, connectivity and climate change.
The prime ministers reaffirmed their intention to strengthen ties under the framework of the Southeast Asian Nations Association (ASEAN), with Malaysia reiterating their support for Pakistan’s commitment to become a complete dialogue partner of the regional bloc.
In recognition of the leadership role of Malaysia in the ASEAN, Shehbaz congratulated Anwar Ibrahim for the assumption of his chair country and expressed the preparation of Pakistan to contribute significantly to trade and regional stability.
Regional and international problems dominated part of the discussions. The two leaders condemned the continuous Israeli aggression in Gaza and reaffirmed their call to “concrete international action” to end Palestinian suffering.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said both countries shared a moral and political responsibility to defend justice and peace in the Muslim world. He expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role in regional peace efforts, including his constant position on Palestine.
The leader of Malaysia also stressed that “peace between Pakistan and India was vital for regional stability,” and recognized Pakistan’s position in Kashmir, reaffirming Malaysia’s support to a Pacific Agreement in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations.
Both parties agreed to maintain a close consultation on international developments and strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations (UN) and the Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC).
A prominent symbolic point of the visit was the joint launch of the Urdu translation of the Seminal Book of Anwar Ibrahim ‘Script: for a better Malaysia’, which describes its vision of leadership and reform.
Shehbaz praised work as “a guide frame for the Madani vision of Malaysia” and a source of inspiration for nations that perform sustainable and inclusive development. He also recognized the translation of Malaysia of the works of Allama Iqbal to Malay last year, calling him a “bridge of intellect and culture” between the two nations.
“The philosophy of self -realization and discovery of IQBAL shows that nations are built through hard work and unwavering commitment, not magical wands,” he said. In response, Anwar Ibrahim praised the Pakistani professionals, students and workers qualified for their contributions to the progress of Malaysia, describing them as “an integral part of the Malaysian development panorama.”
Later, speaking on behalf of the Malaysian government, the Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, said that the meeting between the two leaders reaffirmed “a strong friendship and a shared aspiration to build a more dynamic and resistant association.”
“The close cooperation between Malaysia and Pakistan will not only expand economic opportunities,” he said, “but will also strengthen the unity of the Islamic world through trade, investment and a sustainable ha hally industry.”
He added that both countries remained committed to strengthening the closest Economic Association Agreement of Malaysia-Pakistan (MPCEPA) and improve the mutual recognition of halal certification standards.
Before concluding his visit, Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude for the “exceptionally warm” hospitality of Malaysia, calling the country his “second home.” He said: “I leave Malaysia much more informed and inspired by his development trip.”
He stressed that Pakistan also, with his abundant resources and resistant people, can and can draw a path of prosperity and self -sufficiency. “Together, Pakistan and Malaysia will achieve shared objectives based on faith, friendship and future cooperation.”
