Islamabad: In a series of delegation-level talks held at the Prime Minister’s House, the leaders of Pakistan and Malaysia committed to enhancing their strategic partnership through several new economic and defense agreements. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim presided over the discussions, which focused on deepening bilateral relations and addressing mutual economic and strategic interests.

According to Press Information Department, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Malaysia-Pakistan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA), aiming to boost bilateral economic cooperation, enhance trade, and address trade imbalances. The discussions also resulted in agreements to increase cooperation in halal product processing, with Pakistan aiming to expand its halal meat exports to Malaysia to meet growing demand.

The defense relationship, based on a MoU signed in 1997, was also emphasized with Malaysia’s agreement to send a high-level delegation to the IDEAS 2024 defense expo in Pakistan. Furthermore, both nations agreed to strengthen educational ties and expand cooperation in tourism and aviation to enhance people-to-people contacts and promote sustainable socio-economic growth.

The talks also addressed broader regional and global issues, including the situation in Palestine and the Middle East. The meeting concluded with the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between various trade and telecommunication bodies of both countries, marking a significant step towards closer bilateral relations.