Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim Embarks on…

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Islamabad for a three-day official visit to rejuvenate the strategic relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and is accompanied by a high-level delegation. Key discussions will focus on trade, connectivity, and regional issues including the Palestine conflict. Significant agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, which also includes cultural events and academic honors for the Malaysian Prime Minister.

ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has arrived in Islamabad for a three-day official visit, with the intention of revitalizing the strategic partnership between Malaysia and Pakistan. Upon his arrival, he was warmly received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Nur Khan Airbase. Accompanying Prime Minister Anwar is a distinguished delegation that includes Foreign Minister 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 (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr. Zulkifli bin Hasan. Earlier in the day, the Malaysian Foreign Minister arrived and engaged in preliminary discussions with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar. A formal meeting between the two prime ministers is scheduled for Thursday, during which they will evaluate the existing state of cooperation and seek to enhance bilateral relations. Vital topics for discussion will encompass trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, the halal industry, tourism, cultural exchanges, and initiatives to strengthen ties among citizens of both nations. Malaysia and Pakistan have upheld a strategic partnership since 2019. The leaders are also expected to share perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly focusing on the Palestine conflict, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, and the evolving dynamics in the Middle East. Following their discussions, they will oversee the signing and exchange of significant documents: a memorandum of understanding (MoU) 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). During this visit, three translated works by Allama Muhammad Iqbal — originally authored in Persian, Urdu, and English — will be launched in the Bahasa Melayu language. Furthermore, Prime Minister Anwar is scheduled to present a lecture at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), where he will also receive an honorary doctorate in philosophy. Additionally, Prime Minister Anwar will have an audience with President Asif Ali Zardari, who will confer upon him Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-i-Pakistan. It is noteworthy that in 2023, trade between Malaysia and Pakistan reached a total of $1.4 billion, marking an 18 percent decrease from the $1.78 billion recorded in 2022. The Foreign Office highlighted that the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit “presents a significant opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan-Malaysia relations.”

The official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan underscores the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries, which have been a focal point since the establishment of their strategic partnership in 2019. The emphasis on trade, cultural exchanges, and mutual cooperation reflects both nations’ commitment to fostering stronger ties. The decline in trade between Malaysia and Pakistan in 2023 also highlights the urgency and significance of this visit, aimed at revitalizing economic engagements and collaboration in various sectors including energy, agriculture, and technology.

In conclusion, the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan is poised to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two nations, with discussions centered on vital areas including trade, energy, and cultural exchange. This engagement is viewed as an opportunity to address the recent decline in trade and to enhance cooperation on regional and international challenges. The planned signing of significant documents during the visit and recognition given to Prime Minister Anwar through academic honors and civilian awards further illustrates the strengthening of these bilateral relations.

Original Source: www.dawn.com