Malaysia, Pakistan Reiterate Commitment To Strengthen Muslim Ummah, Combat Islamophobia

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Pakistan have reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening the solidarity of the Muslim ummah and upholding the true values of Islam, while condemning the ongoing genocide in Gaza and calling for concerted international efforts to combat Islamophobia.

In a joint statement issued following their bilateral meeting today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakistani counterpart Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed their commitment to resolving international challenges through peaceful means, in full accordance with international law and relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions.

During the meeting, both leaders also 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.

“In this context, both leaders strongly condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza and reiterated their unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, viable, contiguous and independent Palestinian state, based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

“They also called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, an end to the blockade on Gaza, the protection of all civilians and for unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance to those affected immediately,” the statement read.

Anwar and Shehbaz also commended the international community’s efforts to find pragmatic measures in resolving the question of granting Palestinian statehood.

“The two leaders discussed the escalating threats to peace and security in the region. They underscored the importance of restraint and responsible conduct by all sides, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

“They also agreed that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” according to the joint statement.

At the same time, Anwar and Shehbaz reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable. Afghanistan and a sustainable future for its people, emphasising the importance of continued engagement with the interim Afghan authorities, particularly in combating terrorism, to prevent the use of Afghan soil against other countries.

“Highlighting the need for inclusive governance in the country and the protection of fundamental rights there, the leaders stressed the importance of maintaining humanitarian assistance and capacity building for the Afghan population,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Anwar and Shehbaz condemned all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia, incitement to violence and reaffirmed their call for the international community to undertake concerted action to combat intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatisation, discrimination and violence against persons based on religion or belief.

“Both leaders underscored the importance of promoting mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding among religions, cultures and peoples, in line with relevant UN resolutions, including Human Rights Council Resolution 16/18 and Resolution 53/1,” the statement read.

The leaders also welcomed the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolutions 76/254 and 78/264, reaffirming the significance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, and encouraged the Secretary-General to pursue the development of an action-oriented plan in consultation with member states to effectively address Islamophobia and related forms of religious hatred.

The leaders further lauded the appointment of Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé of Spain as the United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia on May 7, noting his concurrent role as the high representative for the UN Alliance of Civilisations and expressed their support for his mandate as part of collective international efforts to counter intolerance and promote peaceful coexistence. 

-- BERNAMA