Islamabad, 04 Oct 2024 (APP)

Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim on Friday departed here after completing his three-day state visit to Pakistan which he said held a 'great personal significance'.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had received Anwar Ibrahim on his arrival on Wednesday, present on the occasion were  Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar; federal cabinet members and senior officials.

During the visit, Anwar Ibrahim, accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, deputy ministers and senior officials, held a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif; President Asif Ali Zardari; and Pakistan's Army Chief Gen.  Syed Amir Munir.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was also conferred top civil award 'Nishan-i-Pakistan' by President Zardari in a special investiture ceremony. He was also conferred an honorary PhD Degree by the National University of Science and Technology, where he also delivered a public lecture.

Welcoming the Malaysian prime minister, President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Malaysia and was committed to further enhancing bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. He said the visit of the Malaysian prime minister would further boost bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

Malaysian prime minister wrote on his X timeline that the 'engagements with my counterpart Shehbaz Sharif and President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, alongside discussions with industry representatives, resulted in productive outcomes encompassing a wide array of mutual interests'.

He said that these interactions underscored the commitment of the highest leadership to enhance relations.

Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, Jam Kamal Khan, witnessed the signing of four significant MoUs between Pakistan and the Malaysian business community in Islamabad.

Fauji Meat Limited and NSK signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a profit-sharing partnership in the distribution, wholesale, and retail of meat. Gobi VC Investment Fund committed $300,000 to Qistbazar and announced plans to raise a $50 million fund to support Pakistani startups.

Both sides signed four MoUs to enhance bilateral cooperation in varying sectors. It was also agreed that Pakistan would export Halal meat worth $200 million and 100,000 tonnes of Basmati rice to Malaysia.

'Certainly, there will be increased cooperation in all areas of trade and agricultural technology including meat, rice and palm oil imports by Pakistan, and the two countries will also expand cooperation in the skilled worker sector through critical areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital and semiconductors',  visiting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on the occasion.

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that during the visit, Pakistan and Malaysia agreed to further strengthen the bilateral relations and that the visit would usher in a new era of bilateral cooperation, according to a PM Office press release.

Mentioning the positive outcome of the Pakistan-Malaysia Business Forum, he said that the enhanced bilateral trade would help boost exports and create job opportunities.

He said both countries signed MoUs to promote trade and investment. Pakistan would increase its processed meat and rice export to Malaysia and ensure ease in the processes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that both sides agreed to enhance IT cooperation, manufacturing of electric vehicles and enhancement of bilateral trade.

He said PM Anwar Ibrahim was also a great admirer of Allama Muhammad Iqbal which was a matter of pride for Pakistan. He also thanked the visiting premier for his good wishes for the government and the people of Pakistan.

During PM Malaysia visit to Pakistan, Pakistan's army Chief, Gen. Syed Asim Munir, met with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and discussed bilateral strategic interests, regional security, and defence cooperation.

The meeting underscored the importance of enhancing military ties between the two nations. According to the ISPR, the Malaysian Prime Minister lauded Pakistan's armed forces for their contributions to regional peace and stability.

During the meeting, the Malaysian Prime Minister extended an invitation to General Asim Munir to visit Malaysia, to which the Army Chief expressed gratitude as per the media reports.