Putrajaya (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan wishes to “join hands” with Malaysia in launching projects that bring together the strengths and expertise of both nations.
Speaking alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a joint press conference in Putrajaya, the Pakistani premier, currently on an official visit, expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome extended to his delegation. He referred to Malaysia as a “second home” and said the hospitality felt like “a family reunion.”
“This is my first visit to this wonderful country,” he said, “but the warmth and friendliness we’ve experienced make it seem as though we’ve known each other for years.” Praising Ibrahim’s leadership, he said Malaysia’s rapid economic progress reflected the prime minister’s “vision, dynamism and strong governance.”
Shehbaz Sharif said his talks with the Malaysian leader were “highly productive” and covered a wide range of bilateral and global issues. “Our perspectives align on nearly all key matters,” he noted, recalling Ibrahim’s earlier visit to Pakistan as a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations.
The premier said Pakistan was eager to build partnerships in trade, investment, technology, and artificial intelligence. “Pakistan wants to work together with Malaysia through joint ventures and mutually beneficial projects where expertise from both sides can merge,” he said.
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He highlighted that around 150,000 Pakistanis living in Malaysia were contributing to the local economy and society. “Together, we can unlock tremendous potential and make our economies even stronger,” he added.
On trade, the Pakistani leader welcomed Malaysia’s interest in importing $200 million worth of halal meat from Pakistan. He assured that the export process would comply with Malaysia’s market regulations and halal certification standards. “We will meet every condition required, and I am confident this trade volume will grow significantly in the coming years,” he said.
During the presser, Shehbaz also mentioned the launch of an Urdu translation of Anwar Ibrahim’s book Script, which he described as “a vision for sustainability, innovation, and research.” He praised Ibrahim’s ideas, saying they would “inspire generations across borders.”
Reflecting on Pakistan’s future, the prime minister emphasized the need to empower youth through technology and education. “If we can infuse modern technology into their learning, our young people will become the true builders of Pakistan,” he said.
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In his remarks, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed his Pakistani counterpart and acknowledged the valuable contributions of Pakistani professionals and students in Malaysia. He said Malaysia had already increased rice imports from Pakistan and expressed readiness to facilitate meat imports as well.
Smiling, Ibrahim said that when he visited Shehbaz at his hotel, the Pakistani leader had “politely, but persistently, pushed” for the meat export deal. “We will definitely take it up with our team,” he joked.
Calling Shehbaz a “brother,” Ibrahim said the two leaders discussed cooperation in information technology, STEM education, and innovation. “Pakistan was once among the leading Muslim nations in these areas, and we believe that potential still exists,” he added.
On international matters, the Malaysian premier said they had exchanged views on promoting peace in South Asia and countering terrorism. He also thanked Pakistan for its firm stance on the Gaza conflict.
“We both support efforts to end the senseless bombings and killings by the Zionist regime,” Ibrahim said. “Our joint commitment to peace will hopefully contribute to lasting stability in Palestine.”
Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif was presented with a guard of honour at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya, home to the Malaysian prime minister’s office. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
