Key points
- Pakistan and Malaysia elevate bilateral cooperation across trade, defence, and technology
- Leaders reaffirm support for Palestine, urge immediate and unconditional Gaza ceasefire
- Expanded focus on halal industry, renewable energy, and digital transformation
- Shehbaz Sharif praises Malaysia’s ASEAN leadership; both vow stronger OIC, UN collaboration
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed a robust and wide-ranging partnership between Pakistan and Malaysia, concluding a three-day official visit from October 5-7, 2025.
It was Shehbaz Sharif’s first visit to Malaysia since taking office in March 2024. The visit underscored the enduring bilateral relationship, which is rooted in mutual respect and shared Islamic values.
The relations were first established in 1957 and elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2019. The two leaders held substantive talks in Kuala Lumpur on October 6, covering economic, defence, energy, and regional issues, as well as global developments.
Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to boosting trade and investment through the effective use of the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA). The leaders expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts to expand market access and facilitate business collaboration, emphasising a balanced and sustainable trading relationship.
Malaysia conveyed its intention to expand palm oil exports to Pakistan, aligning with Pakistan’s growing demand in the food processing and manufacturing sectors.
Both countries also agreed to strengthen halal industry cooperation through mutual recognition of halal certification and enhanced collaboration in halal product manufacturing.
The joint statement highlighted joint initiatives in agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical sectors with shared efforts toward climate resilience and sustainable energy transition.
Defence, Science, and Technology Links
Acknowledging the strong defence partnership under the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC), which was established in 1997, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in defence science, technology, and industry through knowledge and technology transfer.
The statement also noted intentions to strengthen collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI) — particularly in artificial intelligence and digital transformation — and to expand cooperation in cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and the fight against transnational organised crime.
Education, Labour, and Connectivity
Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in education, technical and vocational training, and institutional linkages. They welcomed the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Malaysia and reaffirmed collaboration in labour mobility and skills development.
On connectivity, the two countries committed to expanding aviation links and air travel routes to boost tourism, business, and people-to-people ties. Pakistan pledged support for the Visit Malaysia 2026 and Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT2026) campaigns.
Regional and International Affairs
Prime Ministers Shehbaz Sharif and Anwar Ibrahim jointly reaffirmed solidarity with the Palestinian people, strongly condemning what they termed the “ongoing genocide in Gaza.” They called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire, lifting the blockade, and unrestricted access to humanitarian.
The leaders reiterated support for the establishment of a sovereign, viable, and independent Palestinian state along pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, urging the international community to ensure a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
They also discussed the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State, Myanmar, reaffirming support for the Rohingya Muslim community, emphasising the peaceful settlement of regional disputes in line with the UN Charter and international law.
The two sides called for a peaceful and inclusive Afghanistan, advocating continued humanitarian engagement, prevention of terrorism, and the protection of human rights.
Combating Islamophobia and Global Solidarity
Both leaders strongly condemned all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia, and incitement to violence, urging coordinated international efforts to address intolerance and religious hatred.
They welcomed the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolutions 76/254 and 78/264, reaffirming the importance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, and expressed support for UN Special Envoy Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé in leading global efforts to counter religious hatred.
ASEAN and Regional Cooperation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, expressing confidence in Kuala Lumpur’s leadership in fostering deeper regional integration.
Both sides noted progress under the ‘ASEAN–Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue Partnership: Practical Cooperation Areas 2024–2028 framework’.
The visit, the joint statement said, reflected a renewed commitment to advancing a comprehensive and future-focused partnership, built on shared values of peace, economic cooperation, and solidarity across the Muslim world.
