Islamabad: Pakistan and Malaysia have signed a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, enhance trade, and address trade imbalances between the two countries. The agreements were finalized during delegation-level talks led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Islamabad.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, both sides agreed to hold an early Joint Review Committee meeting to evaluate the Malaysia-Pakistan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA), which was initially signed in 2007, in order to further solidify the bilateral economic relationship.

The talks also focused on expanding cooperation in the Halal products market, with Pakistan proposing to increase its Halal meat exports to Malaysia to $200 million annually. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defence ties and welcomed Malaysia’s participation in Pakistan’s IDEAS 2024 defence exhibition.

In addition, both countries agreed to enhance educational cooperation, expand tourism, and foster people-to-people connections through aviation and youth exchange programs. The two Prime Ministers also exchanged views on regional developments, including the situation in Palestine.

Key MoUs signed include agreements on trade cooperation between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, and a Letter of Cooperation between the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a luncheon in honor of the Malaysian delegation following the talks.