KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) received a telephone call from Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday (Jan 4).
In a Facebook post, Anwar said both he and Shehbaz renewed commitments for both countries to explore new potential areas for cooperation in various areas including trade and investment, education, defence, culture as well as people-to-people relations.
"I have also expressed readiness on Malaysia's part to raise bilateral ties with Pakistan to a higher level through a Joint Commission Meeting mechanism,”he said.
Anwar added that Malaysia and Pakistan will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation since both countries agreed to a Strategic Partnership in 2019.
Pakistan is an important trading partner in South Asia and bilateral trade totalled US$1.42 billion in 2021.
In the video of the phone conversation which Anwar uploaded on Facebook, Shehbaz extended his congratulations on his appointment as Prime Minister following the 15th General Election on Nov 19, 2022. He also expressed his confidence in Anwar’s leadership saying he was also well respected by Pakistanis around the world.
The Pakistani leader also thanked the government and people of Malaysia for extending help in his country to those affected by the recent floods.
Anwar expressed hope that the brotherly and friendly relations, including personal ties, between both countries would continue to expand.
"The historical relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan that was established for a long time is not only limited to the current bilateral trade but also in terms of culture, Islamic understanding and philosophy which has benefitted us greatly,” he added. - Bernama
