Kuala lumpur: Pakistan and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting balanced and sustainable economic ties through enhanced market access and business facilitation during the three-day official visit by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that concluded on Tuesday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, a Joint Statement issued on Tuesday after a meeting between PM Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the emphasis on effective utilization of the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement. The statement further noted Malaysia's intention to expand palm oil exports to Pakistan. Both countries are committed to facilitating mutual recognition of halal certification, strengthening halal food supply and product manufacturing, and sharing best practices of halal certification. They agreed to explore joint research, innovation, and the development of sustainable agricultural production methods. Additionally, they pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in defense science, technology, and industry, through knowledge and technology transfer. There was also an agreement to explore collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, aiming to enhance public health and commercial exchanges in these sectors. The two Prime Ministers agreed to explore cooperation in renewable energy, energy transition, and climate resilience, including knowledge-sharing, joint research, and investment in clean energy projects.
Reaffirming their commitment to mutual support at international fora, both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening the solidarity of the Muslim Ummah and upholding the true values of Islam. They emphasized resolving international challenges through peaceful means in full accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. The two Prime Ministers also discussed geopolitical issues, particularly the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar, which affects the Rohingya Muslim community.
They strongly condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza and reiterated their unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, viable, contiguous, and independent Palestinian state, based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. They also called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire, an end to the blockade on Gaza, the protection of all civilians, and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance to those affected immediately.
Discussing the regional situation, they reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and a sustainable future for its people. They emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the interim Afghan authorities, particularly for combating terrorism, to prevent the use of Afghan soil against other countries. Highlighting the need for inclusive governance and protection of fundamental rights in Afghanistan, the leaders stressed the importance of maintaining humanitarian assistance and capacity building for the Afghan population. They condemned all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia, and incitement to violence and reaffirmed their call upon the international community to undertake concerted action to combat intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, and violence against persons based on religion or belief. Prime Minister Sharif also expressed deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Government of Malaysia for the warm welcome and grac ious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit. The premier has left for home after concluding his official visit where his Malaysian counterpart saw him off at the airport in Kuala Lumpur.