Putrajaya:
Pakistan and Malaysia on Monday renewed their long -standing friendship with a flurry of high -level engagements, culminating with the signing of six significant agreements to strengthen cooperation across trade, education, halal certification, anti -corruption and tourism.
The signing of the six Memoranda on understanding (Mous) during the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marks a crucial step towards a deeper strategic partnership rooted in common economic goals and Islamic solidarity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, who is currently on a three-day official visit to Malaysia on invitation from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, received a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra complex, complete with an honorary guard of the Malaysian armed forces.
Both leaders later led lectures at the delegation level, spanning a wide range of areas from financial reform and higher education to regional security and global peace efforts. After the negotiations, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of Mous.
The mous-covered collaboration on higher education, training of diplomats, tourism promotion, halal certification, efforts against corruption and support for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs).
The ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya was attended by senior ministers and officials from both sides, including Vice Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.
In the heart of the renewed partnership lies an ambitious financial agenda. Malaysia announced plans to import $ 200 million value of halal certified meat from Pakistan-a feature seen as a landmark development in bilateral trade.
Prime Minister Shehbaz assured his Malaysian counterpart that Pakistan would “compete for price, quality and commitment” that not only promised to meet but exceed the goal.
“You announced a $ 200 million quota for meat exports from Pakistan to Malaysia,” he said. “Let me assure our Malaysian partners that we will fulfill any condition for halal certification and exceed expectations. When consumers are satisfied, the sky is the limit.”
Shehbaz also emphasized Pakistan’s potential as the world’s fifth largest producer of cotton and milk and the fourth largest producer of Mango, called on Malaysian investors to exploit value added farming and food processing.
“Our mango is among the best in taste all over the world,” he noted, and suggested joint ventures to develop SME-based treatment units for export. Malaysia, in turn, expressed its interest in increasing palm oil exports to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, who spoke at Pakistan – Malaysia business and investment conference, participated by entrepreneurs from both nations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that sustainable economic progress is related to private business rather than state intervention.
“It is the private sector that has to drive the growth engine,” he said. “Governments can only lay the foundation and deliver the framework. The business must be run by business houses, businesses and experts – not by the government.”
He paid tribute to Malaysia’s economic transformation under Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership and described it as “nothing less than a miracle” and expressed confidence that Pakistan could achieve similar results through consistency, investment and regional cooperation.
Currently during an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, Shehbaz said Pakistan aimed to gain financial independence within two years. “If entrepreneurs from both sides commit to joint ventures and lasting partnerships, we can say goodbye to the IMF forever,” he said.
Both managers agreed to expand collaboration in information technology, telecommunications, the halal industry, car production, green energy, tourism, higher education and agriculture. They also discussed collaboration in electrical and electronic representation, connection and mitigation of climate change.
The Prime Ministers confirmed their intention to strengthen the tape under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) framework, with Malaysia repeated his support for Pakistan’s bid to become a full dialogue partner for the regional block.
In recognition of Malaysia’s leadership role in ASEAN, Shehbaz Anwar Ibrahim congratulated with his country’s assumption of the President and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to regional trade and stability.
Regional and international issues dominated some of the discussions. The two leaders condemned the continued Israeli aggression in Gaza and confirmed their call for “concrete international action” to end Palestinian disorder.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that both countries shared a moral and political responsibility to maintain justice and peace in the Muslim world. He expressed appreciation of Pakistan’s constructive role in regional peace efforts, including its consistent attitude towards Palestine.
The Malaysian leader also emphasized that “peace between Pakistan and India was crucial to regional stability,” and recognized Pakistan’s attitude towards Kashmir and confirmed Malaysia’s support for a peaceful settlement in accordance with the United Nations decisions.
Both sides agreed to maintain close consultation on international development and strengthen cooperation on multilateral forums such as the United Nations (UN) and the organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
A symbolic highlight of the visit was the common launch of Urdu translation of Anwar Ibrahim’s Sperm ‘Script: For a Better Malaysia’, outlining his vision for leadership and reform.
Shehbaz praised the work as “an indicative framework for Malaysia’s Madani vision” and a source of inspiration for nations pursuing sustainable and inclusive development. He also recognized Malaysia’s translation of Allama Iqbal’s works to Malaysian last year and called it a “bridge of intellect and culture” between the two nations.
“Iqbal’s philosophy of self -realization and discovery shows that nations are built through hard work and unshakable commitment, not magical magic wand,” he noted. In response, Anwar Ibrahim Pakistani professionals, students and qualified workers praised for their contribution to Malaysia’s progress and described them as “an integral part of the Malaysian development landscape.”
Later, speaking on behalf of the Malaysian government, Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil said that the meeting between the two leaders confirmed “a strong bond of friendship and a shared ambition to build a more dynamic and resilient partnership.”
“Close cooperation between Malaysia and Pakistan will not only expand financial opportunities,” he said, “but also strengthens the unity of Islamic world through trade, investment and a sustainable halal industry.”
He added that both countries remained obliged to strengthen Malaysia-Pakistan closer financial partnership agreement (MPCEPA) and improve mutual recognition of halal certification standards.
Before finishing his visit, Shehbaz Sharif gratitude expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s “Unusually warm” Hospitality and called the country his “second home.” He said, “I leave Malaysia far more informed and inspired by its development journey.”
He emphasized that Pakistan also with his abundant resources and resilient people can and will map a path to prosperity and confidence. “Together, Pakistan and Malaysia will reach shared goals based on faith, friendship and forward -looking cooperation.”
