Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan is ready to join hands with Malaysia on new projects that will benefit both countries, especially in trade, technology, and youth development.
During a joint press conference along with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya after bilateral talks, he said, “This is my first visit to your great country,” he said. “But from the moment we arrived, it felt as if we’d been friends forever. That truly shows the depth of our friendship and sincerity.”
He thanked Mr. Ibrahim and the Malaysian people for their warm welcome, calling Malaysia “a second home.”
The PM Pakistan also praised Ibrahim’s efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s economy, saying, “Your determination to make Malaysia one of the strongest economies in the region speaks volumes about your leadership and vision.”
New Plans for Partnership
According to Mr. Sharif, the two leaders had “very productive discussions” covering a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, and technology.
“Our views on key matters are closely aligned,” Shehbaz said, recalling Ibrahim’s earlier visit to Pakistan as a milestone in strengthening ties.
He added that Pakistan hopes to learn from Malaysia’s experience in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and economic growth. “We would like to start joint ventures and create projects together where both countries can contribute,” he said.
Expanding Trade and Business
The Prime Minister highlighted that nearly 150,000 Pakistanis live and work in Malaysia, contributing positively to the country’s economy. This, he said, is a sign of the strong connection between the two nations.
Shehbaz also revealed that Malaysia is interested in importing halal meat worth $200 million from Pakistan. “I will do my best to meet Malaysia’s needs and expand this business further,” he assured.
During the visit, an Urdu translation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s book Script of Prime Minister Ibrahim was also launched. Shehbaz said its focus on innovation, sustainability, and research would inspire younger generations.
Hard Work Builds Nations
Shehbaz emphasized that no nation can be built overnight. “Progress comes through hard work, determination, and consistency,” he said.
Talking about Pakistan’s youth, he added, “Once we equip our young people with modern technology, they will become the real builders of Pakistan.”
He expressed hope for Malaysia’s continued success and prosperity, before overseeing the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in trade and technology.
Malaysia’s Support and Shared Values
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Pakistani professionals and students for their contributions in Malaysia. He also mentioned that Malaysia is now considering importing more rice and halal meat from Pakistan.
He said that during his hotel visit with Shehbaz, the Pakistani leader “didn’t just talk about the meat trade — he insisted we make it happen.”
Calling Shehbaz “a brother,” Ibrahim said their talks focused on collaboration in information technology, science, and engineering. “Pakistan has a lot to offer, and Malaysia is ready to expand cooperation,” he noted.
On international issues, both leaders discussed peace in South Asia and the global fight against terrorism. Ibrahim also commended Pakistan’s strong stance on Palestine, saying both nations seek an end to violence in Gaza and long-term peace in the region.
A New Chapter in Friendship
After the meeting, Ibrahim wrote on social media that he had welcomed Shehbaz Sharif with a guard of honor and that their talks were “warm and constructive.”
He described the visit as the start of a new strategic partnership between the two countries.
Before the trip, the Pakistani Foreign Office had said that both sides would discuss cooperation in IT, telecommunications, the halal industry, energy, and infrastructure — along with ways to expand the digital economy.
The visit, the Foreign Office added, reflects the “close and strong relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia, built on mutual respect, shared interests, and continued collaboration.”
Over the years, the two countries have developed deep cultural and economic ties.
Malaysian investments in Pakistan have reached nearly $400 million, and both nations continue to work together on global issues like Islamophobia and the economic challenges faced by the Muslim world.
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