KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to exchange views on regional developments and Malaysia-Pakistan bilateral relations.
Anwar, in a Facebook post on Thursday (Oct 1), said he expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's role in facilitating peace talks between the United States and Iran, while stressing that the space for dialogue and diplomacy must continue to be strengthened to ease tensions and pave the way towards lasting peace.
During the conversation, Anwar also expressed hope that the visit by Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to Malaysia could be realised after being postponed several times.
"I welcome his arrival at any suitable time without needing to be bound by official protocol arrangements," said Anwar.
The two leaders also discussed meat export arrangements, with teams from both countries to follow up on the matter.
Anwar said the friendship between Malaysia and Pakistan must continue to be translated into efforts that bring tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
Meanwhile, Anwar also expressed appreciation for Shehbaz's message of condolence over the passing of his elder brother, the late Idrus Ibrahim, on Sept 24, which he said was deeply meaningful to the family during their time of loss.
"He also extended his condolences to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the passing of the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali," said Anwar. – Bernama
