Naveed Ahmed Khan
Islamabad: Malaysian High Commissioner Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan announced that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to visit Pakistan in the first week of October. This visit aims to enhance the longstanding and cordial relations between the two nations, which have historically enjoyed close ties since Pakistan was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Malaysia in 1957.
During a media briefing at the Malaysian Embassy attended by numerous journalists, the High Commissioner highlighted the significant role played by Pakistan’s Justice Abdul Hamid in drafting Malaysia’s constitution as part of the Reid Commission. He noted that both countries share similar perspectives on various global issues and often coordinate their stances on matters of mutual concern at international forums, including the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the D-8.
The upcoming visit by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will be the first by a Malaysian leader to Pakistan in five years, following former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s trip in March 2019. The High Commissioner indicated that several agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during this visit, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.
Notably, Malaysia and Pakistan have already established a Free Trade Agreement known as the Malaysia-Pakistan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA), along with various other agreements across diverse sectors.
During his stay in Islamabad, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will engage in discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior Pakistani officials. The talks will focus on enhancing bilateral investment and trade, with both sides likely to address the pressing issue of Palestine, as both nations advocate for a two-state solution to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
The High Commissioner emphasized that the visit underscores the growing relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan, particularly in the realms of economic cooperation and trade. Bilateral trade has gained momentum over the past few years, reaching approximately US$1.5 billion in 2023-24. Pakistan’s primary exports to Malaysia include condensate oil, rice, potatoes, onions, corn, home textiles, seafood, and meat, while major imports from Malaysia consist of palm oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, laptops, nonwoven wadding, and fiberboard.
Tourism between the two nations has also seen significant growth, with Malaysia ranking among the top sources of tourists to Pakistan. Malaysian tourists are increasingly interested in exploring Pakistan’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Additionally, Pakistan has become a notable destination for religious tourism among Sikh communities and Malaysian Buddhists. As the two nations prepare for the upcoming visit, the focus remains on strengthening their partnership and exploring new avenues for collaboration across various sectors.