Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Arrives in Malaysia
Sepang, The Gulf Observer: Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Malaysia on Sunday (October 5) for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The special aircraft carrying Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation landed at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), at approximately 9:46 p.m., where they were received by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister inspected a guard of honour comprising 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Captain Nor Saifullah Mahmad @ Mohammed.
According to a statement issued by Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra), the visit reciprocates Prime Minister Anwar’s official visit to Pakistan in October 2024. Shehbaz is accompanied by several Cabinet members, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
An official welcoming ceremony for the Pakistani leader will be held at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya on Monday, followed by a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anwar.
Both leaders are expected to review the progress of bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, the halal industry, education, tourism, and defence. They are also set to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
During the visit, the two prime ministers will witness the exchange of five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering cooperation in tourism, higher education, halal certification, the prevention and eradication of corruption, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), along with an Exchange of Notes (EoN) on diplomatic training.
Prime Minister Shehbaz will also present Prime Minister Anwar with an Urdu version of the book “SCRIPT: For a Better Malaysia.” An official dinner in honour of the visiting dignitary will be hosted at the Seri Perdana Complex.
In addition, both leaders are scheduled to attend the Pakistan–Malaysia Business and Investment Conference, aimed at promoting stronger economic and trade linkages between the two countries.
“The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and foster closer cooperation in areas of mutual benefit,” the statement added.
Malaysia and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1957, elevating their ties to a Strategic Partnership in March 2019.
In 2024, total trade between the two nations reached RM8.07 billion (US$1.76 billion), marking a 25.5 percent increase compared to 2023. Malaysia’s main exports to Pakistan include palm oil, petroleum, and chemical products, while imports from Pakistan consist primarily of agricultural produce, textiles, apparel, footwear, and petroleum products.
