Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday welcomed Malaysia's decision to import halal meat worth $200 million from Pakistan.
Pakistan and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, education, technology, and governance, as Kuala Lumpur announced plans to import $200 million worth of halal meat from Pakistan.
The announcement was made during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's three-day official visit to Malaysia, where he held extensive discussions with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Malaysian counterpart, PM Shehbaz acknowledged Prime Minister Ibrahim's significant role in Malaysia's development, describing him as a leader of remarkable qualities. 'Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Pakistan was a memorable one, and we had very positive discussions,' Shehbaz added.
On bilateral trade, the prime minister welcomed Malaysia's decision to import halal meat worth $200 million from Pakistan. 'We will continue to expand halal meat trade with the passage of time,' he said, expressing interest in joint ventures and collaboration to benefit from Malaysia's expertise.
'Our relations have strengthened over time, and I thank the people of Malaysia for their heartfelt welcome,' said Prime Minister Shehbaz. 'Malaysia is like a second home to us,' he added.
PM Shehbaz Sharif further noted that a large number of Pakistani students are currently studying in Malaysia and appreciated the opportunities provided to them.
Speaking alongside him, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of peace between Pakistan and India for regional stability. 'Peace between Pakistan and India is vital for our region,' he stated. He also assured that Malaysia would extend every possible cooperation to combat terrorism.
In a symbolic gesture, Shehbaz Sharif lauded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's newly launched book, saying, 'This book will serve as a bridge between Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur.' Premier Shehbaz concluded that the visit would further strengthen relations between the two brotherly nations. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Malaysia signed six accords to strengthen bilateral cooperation covering different areas, including education, Halal certification, tourism and combating corruption.
The pre-signed documents were exchanged at a ceremony held at Perdana Putra Complex. Both the prime ministers witnessed the ceremony held after their meeting as well as the delegation-level talks.
Pakistan and Malaysia signed an MoU on Exchange of Notes between the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) and the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan on cooperation in the field of training for diplomats. The documents were exchanged by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Malaysian Foreign Minister Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan.
On this occasion, the two Prime Ministers launched the Urdu translation of the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's seminal work, SCRIPT, that presents his vision and values on leadership.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also hosted a special luncheon in honor of the Prime Minister and his delegation.
Earlier, upon arrival at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was greeted by an official welcome ceremony which was followed by a smaller group meeting between the two leaders prior to the delegation level talks that were subsequently held between the two countries, under the leadership of the two Prime Ministers.
The Prime Minister thanked the Malaysian Prime Minister for the exceptionally warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and members of his delegation.
Later, addressing a joint news conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described his meeting with the Malaysian counterpart as productive, emphasizing that both the sides converge on almost all important issues.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan can benefit from Malaysian experiences in technology, IT and AI as well as other areas of economic growth. He expressed Pakistan's desire to collaborate with Malaysia not only to learn from their expertise but also to pursue joint ventures and mutually beneficial projects.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Malaysian Prime Minister's announcement of importing two hundred million dollars' worth of meat from Pakistan. He assured that Pakistan would make all possible efforts to meet all Malaysian conditionalities and terms and conditions.
Referring to the launch of Urdu translation of Malaysian Prime Minister's Book Script, he said it is a guiding framework of sustainability, mutual respect, compassion, innovation, research and development, progress and prosperity and mutual trust. He was appreciative of the visionary leadership of the Malaysian Prime Minister.
He mentioned that Pakistan is a great nation blessed with immense natural resources and the great minds. He said we are providing opportunities to our youth to acquire modern knowledge. He said Pakistan will have great partnership with Malaysia to achieve its aim of progress and prosperity.
In his remarks on the occasion, the Malaysian Prime Minister alluded to the historic fraternal relations between the two countries. He said the ever expanding economic cooperation between the two countries has been at the forefront from the beginning. He said it is our joint aspiration to further enhance our collaboration in all fields.
He said Malaysia has enhanced the import of Pakistani rice and assured that they will also facilitate the import of beef meat from Pakistan. He also highlighted the scope of cooperation in new technologies.
The Malaysian Prime Minister was appreciative of Pakistan's stance on Palestine. He said both Pakistan and Malaysia look favourably at the peace initiative of US President Donald Trump.
Pakistan and Malaysia also exchanged MOUs in the areas of training of diplomats, higher education, tourism, Halal Certification, anti-corruption efforts and Small and Medium enterprises.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.