Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Pakistan and Malaysia Commit to Economic and Strategic Cooperation
Pakistan and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering balanced and sustainable economic ties through enhanced market access and business facilitation. This commitment was highlighted during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, during the former’s three-day official visit to Malaysia, which concluded on Tuesday.
The joint statement from the meeting emphasized the effective utilization of the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement. Malaysia expressed its intention to expand palm oil exports to Pakistan, while both leaders acknowledged the growing global demand for halal products and services. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of halal, including facilitating mutual recognition of halal certification, strengthening halal food supply and product manufacturing, and sharing best practices of halal certification.
Focus on Sustainable Agriculture and Defense Cooperation
Acknowledging the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, the two leaders agreed to explore joint research, innovation, and the development of sustainable agricultural production methods. Additionally, they committed to deepening bilateral cooperation in defense science, technology, and industry through knowledge and technology transfer.
Both nations also welcomed further collaboration in education, particularly in technical and vocational training, as well as enhancing institutional partnerships. Recognizing the role of aviation in fostering connectivity and people-to-people exchanges, the leaders agreed to enhance air travel services and explore opportunities for increased connectivity between Malaysia and Pakistan.
Healthcare, Tourism, and Renewable Energy Collaboration
Healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices were also identified as key areas for collaboration, with the aim of enhancing public health and commercial exchanges. Both leaders expressed optimism about expanding tourism cooperation, especially in light of Malaysia’s ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’ and ‘Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026’ campaigns. Malaysia extended a warm welcome to Pakistani travelers, and the leaders agreed to enhance tourism promotion and cultural exchanges from both sides.
The two sides recognized the importance of people-to-people ties and welcomed the positive contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Malaysia to national development. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in labor, including technical training and skills development.
Emphasis on Renewable Energy and Cybersecurity
Reaffirming their commitment to renewable energy, energy transition, and climate resilience, the leaders agreed to engage in knowledge-sharing, joint research, and investment in clean energy projects. They also reaffirmed support for enhanced collaboration in science, technology, and innovation, including cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
In the realm of security, both leaders underscored the importance of regional cooperation in disaster management and risk reduction. They committed to exchanging knowledge and best practices in humanitarian assistance, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. Furthermore, they expressed a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in cybersecurity and efforts to combat transnational organized crimes, terrorism, terrorism financing, and cybercrime.
Global Issues and Regional Stability
The two leaders discussed geopolitical issues, particularly the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar, which affects the Rohingya Muslim community. They strongly condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza and reiterated their unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. Both leaders called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the blockade on Gaza, and the protection of all civilians.
They emphasized the importance of a just and lasting solution to bring peace and stability to the region. The leaders also commended international efforts to find pragmatic measures in resolving the question of granting a Palestinian statehood.
Talking about the regional situation, they reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and a sustainable future for its people. They emphasized the need for continued engagement with the interim Afghan authorities to combat terrorism and prevent the use of Afghan soil against other countries.
Condemnation of Discrimination and Support for ASEAN
The leaders condemned all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia, and incitement to violence. They reaffirmed their call upon the international community to undertake concerted action to combat intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, and violence against persons based on religion or belief.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and expressed confidence in Malaysia’s leadership in steering ASEAN towards deeper regional integration, peace, and prosperity. Both leaders welcomed the progress made in implementing the ASEAN-Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue Partnership: Practical Cooperation Areas 2024–2028.
Business Engagement and Farewell
During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with a delegation of leading Malaysian business group Gobi Partners, led by its Co-Founder and Chair Thomas G. Tsao in Kuala Lumpur. He highlighted the immense potential for enhancing cooperation in various economic sectors between Pakistan and Malaysia.
Referring to the Pakistan-Malaysia Business and Investment Conference held on Monday, the Prime Minister said such initiatives are a welcome step towards promoting business-to-business linkages between the two countries.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for Pakistan after concluding his three-day official visit to Malaysia. At the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the prime minister was given a red-carpet send-off as the smartly turned-out static guards saluted him. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was at the airport to bid farewell to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while Pakistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza, and diplomatic staff were also present.
