Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Calls for Strengthening Economic Ties with Pakistan

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the need to harness the untapped potential of trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan, focusing on sectors such as minerals, renewable energy, food, industry, and information technology.

In an interview with PTV News on Friday, Ibrahim expressed optimism about the future of Malaysia-Pakistan relations. “The time is right,” he said, noting his in-depth discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on expanding collaboration in these areas.

He highlighted the significant, yet underutilized, opportunities in trade where bilateral cooperation could drive economic growth for both nations. Ibrahim also praised Pakistan’s rich history in education, research, and nuclear development, especially during the 1970s.

Reflecting on Malaysia’s progress, particularly in the semiconductor industry and digital transformation, Ibrahim pointed out that Malaysia leads the region in semiconductors, a sector from which Pakistan could also benefit.

“I chose to engage closely with Pakistan because we both recognize the enormous untapped potential. Our collaboration can lead to mutual advantages,” he added.

When asked about regional partnerships, Ibrahim emphasized the importance of collaboration within ASEAN and beyond. “ASEAN is seen as an economically dynamic region with vast potential,” he remarked, stressing the necessity of working together for shared success.

Addressing global human rights issues, the Malaysian prime minister voiced concern over the situations in Gaza, Kashmir, and other regions, calling attention to the importance of human rights worldwide.

### Malaysian PM Concludes Three-Day Visit to Pakistan
Prime Minister Ibrahim wrapped up his three-day state visit to Pakistan on Friday, calling it personally significant. Upon his departure, he was seen off at the airport by PM Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as federal cabinet members and senior officials.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and senior officials, Ibrahim held a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, led delegation-level talks, and had a productive meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari.

Following the visit, Ibrahim shared on his social media that his discussions with Shehbaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, along with industry representatives, led to fruitful outcomes across a broad spectrum of mutual interests. He emphasized that these engagements demonstrated the commitment of both countries’ leaderships to strengthening relations.

During the visit, three MoUs were signed to bolster cooperation in various sectors. Additionally, Pakistan agreed to export $200 million worth of Halal meat and 100,000 tonnes of Basmati rice to Malaysia.

Ibrahim also confirmed that cooperation would increase in trade, agricultural technology, and the skilled worker sector, including areas like artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, and semiconductors. Pakistan is also expected to import more palm oil from Malaysia.

In a special ceremony, President Zardari awarded Ibrahim the Nishan-i-Pakistan honor. He was also conferred an honorary PhD by the National University of Science and Technology, where he delivered a public lecture.

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