Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will visit Pakistan from October 2 to 4, marking his first official trip aimed at strengthening ties through strategic discussions. The visit includes meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the signing of critical agreements, and the delivery of a lecture at a notable university, emphasizing a commitment to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in trade and education.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is scheduled to conduct his inaugural official visit to Pakistan from October 2 to 4, aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations through strategic discussions. This visit is being conducted in response to an invitation from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and marks the first official engagement between the two leaders since Anwar’s assumption of office in November 2022. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry, Wisma Putra, announced that the visit will commence with an official welcoming ceremony followed by a private bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz. The Pakistani Prime Minister will honor his Malaysian counterpart with an official luncheon. The discussions are anticipated to evaluate the current state of cooperation and explore further initiatives to enhance the relationship, which was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2019. Additionally, both leaders will likely engage in dialogues regarding regional and global issues that may affect both nations. During the visit, Prime Ministers Anwar and Shehbaz will preside over the signing and exchange of two significant documents: a memorandum of understanding between the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, and a Letter of Cooperation between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. Following these proceedings, there will be a ceremonial launch of translated works by the esteemed Pakistani poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Prime Minister Anwar is also slated to deliver a lecture at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), where he will receive an honorary doctorate in philosophy. Furthermore, he is expected to meet with Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari before attending a state banquet, during which the President is anticipated to bestow upon Anwar the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian honor in Pakistan. Anwar’s delegation will include Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr. Zulkifli Hasan. In terms of bilateral trade, Malaysia’s exchange with Pakistan amounted to RM7.84 billion (approximately USD1.4 billion), reflecting a decrease of 18 percent from the previous year. Key traded goods include palm oil, apparel, textiles, chemicals, and electronic products. As of June 2024, Malaysia hosted 4,666 Pakistani students in various higher education institutions, highlighting the educational ties between the two nations.
The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan is significant as it represents a commitment to enhance existing diplomatic and economic relations. The elevation of Malaysia-Pakistan relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2019 laid the groundwork for stronger cooperation in trade, investment, and educational exchange. The strategic discussions planned during this visit will address several pressing bilateral issues and facilitate more robust collaboration in diverse fields. This visit, being Anwar’s first official engagement with the Pakistani leadership since he took office, underscores the importance of fostering international ties in an increasingly interconnected world.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan signifies a strengthening of the Malaysia-Pakistan relationship through various planned discussions and ceremonies. The signing of important agreements and the conferment of high honors symbolize the commitment to enhance bilateral trade, cultural exchanges, and cooperative initiatives. As both leaders engage in crucial discussions, this visit may pave the way for future collaboration across multiple sectors, reinforcing the strategic partnership established between the two countries.
Original Source: bernama.com
