Kuala Lumpur (TDI): Pakistan and Malaysia have called for an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the lifting of the blockade, protection of civilians, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected population.
The two countries also welcomed global efforts to advance practical steps toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
A joint statement issued on Tuesday at the conclusion of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s three-day official visit to Malaysia (October 5–7, 2025) said that PM Shehbaz and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim held comprehensive talks on Monday to review bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international developments.
During their discussions, both sides expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the wider Middle East. They condemned what they termed as “genocide in Gaza” and reiterated firm support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the creation of a sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Read More: PM Shehbaz Honoured with PhD in Leadership and Governance by Malaysian University
The leaders also discussed the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar, voicing concern for the plight of the Rohingya Muslim community.
Both sides agreed to reconvene the Joint Commission Meeting at the foreign ministers’ level at a mutually convenient time to further strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
Reaffirming their commitment to balanced and sustainable economic ties, the two leaders agreed to enhance market access, streamline business facilitation, and ensure the effective implementation of the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA).
Malaysia expressed its intent to expand palm oil exports to Pakistan while ensuring a stable, sustainable, and environmentally responsible supply chain.
Acknowledging the growing global demand for halal products and services, the leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in the halal industry, along with exploring joint initiatives in sustainable agriculture, research, and innovation.
They expressed satisfaction with the progress in defense cooperation under the Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation (JCDC), established in 1997, and agreed to strengthen ties in defense science, technology, and industry, including knowledge and technology transfer.
Read More: Private Sector Key to Expanding Pakistan–Malaysia Trade: PM Shehbaz
The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in education, especially in technical and vocational training, and to enhance institutional partnerships.
Recognizing the importance of aviation connectivity, the leaders pledged to improve air travel links between Pakistan and Malaysia by increasing air traffic rights, expanding flight routes, and encouraging greater people-to-people exchanges.
They also explored opportunities for collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, aiming to boost both public health outcomes and commercial linkages.
On tourism, both sides expressed optimism about new partnerships under Malaysia’s upcoming “Visit Malaysia 2026” (VM2026) and “Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026” (MYMT2026) campaigns. Malaysia extended a warm welcome to Pakistani travelers, and both countries agreed to enhance tourism promotion and cultural exchanges.
The leaders acknowledged the role of the Pakistani diaspora in Malaysia and reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation in labour mobility, skills development, and technical training.
They also underscored the importance of energy security and sustainability, agreeing to explore joint efforts in renewable energy, energy transition, and climate resilience, including joint research and investment in clean energy projects.
The two leaders reaffirmed support for greater collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI), particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Recognizing the growing need for regional cooperation in disaster management, both countries agreed to enhance the exchange of expertise in humanitarian assistance, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery.
They also reiterated their shared resolve to strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity, and to intensify joint efforts against transnational crime, terrorism, terrorism financing, and cybercrime through information sharing and capacity-building initiatives.
The leaders highlighted close coordination at international forums, including the United Nations (UN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Developing-8 (D-8), reaffirming their commitment to Muslim unity and the promotion of the true values of Islam.
They further reiterated their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, stressing the importance of continued engagement with the interim Afghan authorities to combat terrorism and prevent the use of Afghan territory against other states, while ensuring humanitarian support for the Afghan people.
Both sides strongly condemned all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia, and religious hatred, urging the international community to take concerted action to combat intolerance, discrimination, and violence based on religion or belief.
Read More: PM Welcomes Malaysia’s $200m Halal Meat Import Plan from Pakistan
The leaders welcomed the UN General Assembly’s adoption of Resolutions 76/254 and 78/264, which reaffirm the importance of observing the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, and expressed support for the appointment of Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé of Spain as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship, expressing confidence in Kuala Lumpur’s leadership to guide ASEAN toward deeper regional integration, peace, and prosperity.
