Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Upcoming Official Visit to Pakistan: A Step Towards Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia will make his first official visit to Pakistan from October 2 to 4. This visit aims to enhance Malaysia-Pakistan relations through strategic discussions following the establishment of their Strategic Partnership in 2019. Anwar will engage in various official activities including signing agreements, delivering a lecture at NUST, and receiving the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civilian award.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia is set to embark on his inaugural official visit to Pakistan from October 2 to 4, aimed at strengthening the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan through comprehensive discussions on enhancing cooperation. This visit comes at the invitation of his counterpart, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and constitutes the first formal meeting between the two leaders since Anwar assumed office in November 2022. Anwar will be received with an official welcoming ceremony before engaging in important bilateral discussions with Sharif, who will also be hosting a luncheon in his honor. This meeting will allow both leaders to review current cooperation mechanisms and explore new initiatives to further solidify the Strategic Partnership that was established between the two countries in 2019. Additionally, they are anticipated to share perspectives on regional and international matters of mutual interest. During the visit, both prime ministers are expected to witness the signing of two significant agreements: a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, as well as a Letter of Cooperation between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The agenda will also feature the launch of three translated works by the esteemed Pakistani poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, translated into Bahasa Melayu from Persian, Urdu, and English. Furthermore, Prime Minister Anwar is scheduled to deliver a lecture at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and will be conferred an honorary doctorate in philosophy by the institution. Anwar’s visit will also include a meeting with Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, during which he is expected to be awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the nation’s highest civilian honor, at the Presidential Palace. Accompanying Prime Minister Anwar will be several high-ranking government officials, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. As of the latest statistics, total trade between Malaysia and Pakistan stands at RM7.84 billion (approximately USD1.4 billion), reflecting an 18 percent decline compared to RM7.89 billion (USD1.78 billion) in 2022. Key traded goods include palm oil, apparel, textiles, chemicals, and electronic products, making Pakistan Malaysia’s 35th largest trade partner and a significant entity in South Asia for Malaysian trade.
The upcoming official visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan is aimed specifically at rekindling and strengthening the economic and diplomatic ties that exist between Malaysia and Pakistan. The relationship, which was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2019, necessitates ongoing discussions to enhance bilateral collaboration across various sectors. Given that trade figures suggest a decrease in economic activity between the two nations, this visit is timely and critical to reaffirm commitments and explore avenues for growth and collaboration. Moreover, mutual recognition in academic and cultural exchanges, as evidenced by the launch of works by Allama Iqbal and Anwar’s honorary doctorate, also underscores the depth of their historical ties. This multifaceted partnership includes trade, cultural exchanges, education, and strategic dialogues on current geopolitical issues.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming visit to Pakistan signifies a crucial step in reinforcing the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Pakistan. Through strategic discussions, the signing of key cooperation agreements, and cultural exchanges, both nations aim to address mutual interests and challenges. The formalities of this visit, including the honorary recognition and official engagements, reflect a commitment to restoring and furthering their partnership in a changing global landscape. Ultimately, this visit holds potential for revitalizing trade dynamics and strengthening ties in various sectors for mutual benefit.
Original Source: bernama.com
