Pakistan PM’s Visit Reflects Growing Momentum In Malaysia-Pakistan Strategic Partnership

By Noor Bakhtiar Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Malaysia from Sunday to Tuesday signals renewed momentum in the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and emerging sectors.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah said the visit, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reflects the strong commitment of both sides to deepen collaboration, following Anwar’s historic visit to Pakistan in October 2024,

“Pakistan and Malaysia are strategic partners. Our longstanding relations are based on mutual trust and respect, firmly centred in a shared history and common faith.

“This partnership is becoming broader and more active, with new areas of cooperation being explored,” he said in a written interview to Bernama.

Syed Ahsan said the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit last year showed the strong commitment of both sides to work together in all areas.

“Several agreements were signed to boost cooperation in areas relating to enhancement of trade.

“Malaysia also opened a trade office (MATRADE) in Karachi, showing its serious interest in expanding business ties with Pakistan. Both countries are working closely together to improve their bilateral trade,” he said.

He added that there are many areas where both countries can work together, including the halal industry, information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), agriculture, tourism, education, construction, and infrastructure.

“The High Commission has also organised a Business and Investment Conference on Oct 6 during the Prime Minister’s visit, which he will be chairing.

“The event will bring together close to 400 top business leaders from both countries representing a wide range of sectors. It will be a great chance to build partnerships, share ideas, and encourage investment,” he said.

According to Syed Ahsan, several business-to-business (B2B) agreements will also be signed on the sidelines of the business summit, reflecting a growing interest in joint ventures between private sectors of both countries.

“Pakistan and Malaysia are moving towards a stronger and more economically synergised relationship, with benefits for both sides,” he said.

Malaysia and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1957. The bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in March 2019. 

In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Pakistan reached RM8.07 billion (US$1.76 billion), an increase of 25.5 per cent compared with 2023.

Key export items comprise palm oil, petroleum, and chemical products, while imports from Pakistan mainly consist of agricultural products, textiles, apparel, footwear, and petroleum products.

-- BERNAMA