Shehbaz’s Urge To Strengthen Pak-Malaysia Ties to Foster Progress

On Monday, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, said that he wants to see Malaysia as Pakistan’s comrade on the way to progress and prosperity.

Shehbaz’s visit to Malaysia:

In Putrajaya, Shehbaz Sharif, along with the Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, called out a press briefing. While talking to the media, Shehbaz Sharif showed his desire to work with Malaysia to see progress in every domain.

Shehbaz Sharif initiated the press briefing. Initially, he expressed gratitude toward Ibrahim for his warmth while welcoming the Pakistani delegation in Malaysia. He called Malaysia his ‘second home.’

Shehbaz remarked, “This is my first visit to your great country, but believe me, ever since we arrived here last night, I see familiar faces, very cordial, very warm, as if we have known each other for ages, and that stems from the sincerity of purpose and very true friendship. It’s like a family reunion. The way you are focused on building your great country into one of the most strong economies in the region and around the globe speaks volumes about your leadership skills, vision, and dynamism.”

His remarks clearly show how he felt an emotional attachment to the country’s infrastructure and the hospitable citizens. He also told the media that the talks between him and Ibrahim were fruitful. He also assured that soon the world will see positive bilateral ties between these countries. 

Moreover, he said that both of us talked about different matters, including international affairs and the country’s internal matters. He said, “I am very happy that our views converge on almost all important issues.”

He also rewinded the last year’s visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Pakistan. He said that the visit was also very useful for strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations. 

He uttered, “Today, I am very happy that you have expressed your vision on how to build our economic trade relations, how to promote joint ventures, how to encourage investment, how we can benefit from your vast experience in technology, artificial intelligence, and other areas of economic growth where Malaysia has done remarkably well.” He also showed his willingness to stand by with Malaysia and got an advantage from the Malaysian experience in these fields to make progress.

He also made a declaration and vividly said, “Today, I want to make it publicly known that Pakistan wants to join hands with Malaysia, not only to benefit from your experience, but to have joint ventures, mutually beneficial projects, where Malaysian and Pakistani expertise can come together.”

Shehbaz Sharif also observed that more than 150,000 Pakistanis are currency working in Malaysia for nation-building progress. He said, “I think all this put together gives us great encouragement and hope that we can use this potential and make our economies stronger and move forward in unison by having win-win benefits.”

The Malaysian Premier also announced the meat export quota from Pakistan. Upon this, Shehbaz responded and said that it would be as per the market price mechanism. He clearly stated, “I am eternally grateful to you, but let me also make it abundantly clear to our Malaysian importers and officials that a market price mechanism will regulate this quota of exporting meat. It will be regulated by all halal certifications required by Malaysian customs and food authorities. I want to assure you that we will make all possible efforts to meet all your terms and conditions, and only on that basis, we will achieve not only this quota of $200m, but in times to come, it will increase and have a quantum jump.”

The Prime Minister also talked about the book of Ibrahim, which is mainly focused on growth, development, sustainability, research, and innovation. He said Ibrahim’s book, Script, is now available in Urdu, so Pakistanis can also be enlightened with his vision. 

He said, “These are the great virtues and values that brother Ibrahim has inked in this script, and I think it will speak across borders for this generation and coming generations.”

At the end of his media talk, he said that hard work, consistency, dedication, and continuous struggles are the core values to make progress for any nation. His last words were quoted as, “When I leave this great country tomorrow. I will be going back far more informed than ever before, far more impressed than ever before, far more comforted than ever before.”

Ibrahim’s stance on Pak-Malaysia ties:

The Malaysian Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts made by the Pakistani professionals in Malaysia and also praised Pakistani experts and students who are residing in Malaysia and work for the betterment of the country. 

He also said that Malaysia has already increased its rice imports from Pakistan, and it has also shown an interest in purchasing meat exports. He also praised Shehbaz Sharif and said that he is a brother to him who always stands by him and offers his support and cooperation in IT, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM).

He said, “Pakistan was among the Muslim countries that were clearly far ahead initially in these fields, and that potential is still there. Now that we have secured stability in the country, we certainly will welcome further collaboration.” 

He also said that Malaysia stands with Pakistan in countering terrorism, and also praised the Pakistani stance on Gaza. He also expressed his hope and desire to see peace in Gaza. 

He said, “We jointly look favorably at the 20-point peace initiative by US President Donald Trump. Although Malaysia does express some concerns, at least on the point of cessation of hostilities, stopping the insane bombings and killings by the Zionist Israeli regime, that at least is a clear position taken by Arab countries, Muslim countries, and most of the countries in the world now. Our joint position in supporting this peace initiative would probably further help this desire to achieve a durable peace.”