Kuala Lumpur/Putrajaya (Web Desk, Republic PK) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, in Putrajaya, where he received a warm welcome at Perdana Putrajaya before leading delegation-level talks.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in bilateral relations since Prime Minister Anwar’s visit to Pakistan in October 2024. They agreed to further expand economic and trade cooperation, with a focus on joint projects in information technology, telecommunications, halal industry, automotive, connectivity, green energy, electronics, tourism, higher education, climate change, and agriculture.
A key outcome of the talks was Malaysia’s decision to raise the quota for halal meat imports from Pakistan to US$200 million, while also acknowledging Pakistan’s growing rice exports, which have already surpassed agreed quotas.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in efforts to resolve the Palestinian conflict and welcomed Islamabad’s stance on peace in the Middle East. He also underlined the importance of closer cooperation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions and thanked Malaysia for its consistent support. Both leaders also discussed strengthening Pakistan–ASEAN relations, with Malaysia reaffirming its backing for Pakistan’s bid to become a full dialogue partner of ASEAN.
During the visit, Pakistan and Malaysia signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering areas such as diplomatic training, tourism, halal certification, higher education, anti-corruption cooperation, and promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The two leaders also attended the launch of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s book “Script”, which reflects his views on leadership.
At a joint press conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Malaysia’s decision to expand halal meat imports and expressed Pakistan’s interest in benefiting from Malaysia’s expertise in artificial intelligence, IT, and economic development. He emphasized that Pakistan’s youthful population—nearly 60% between the ages of 15 and 30—represents a powerful force for innovation and progress.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of peace in South Asia and pledged joint efforts with Pakistan to counter terrorism and promote stability. He also praised Pakistan’s principled stance on Palestine and Gaza, noting that a united position would contribute to lasting peace.
Concluding his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Malaysia as his “second home” and said he was leaving “more satisfied and inspired than ever.” He expressed confidence that Pakistan, with its talented youth and strong partnership with Malaysia, would embark on a new journey of development and