Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the need for strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia in areas including law enforcement, counter-terrorism, narcotics control, and the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari made these remarks during a meeting with Malaysia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for Interior & Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. The Malaysian delegation accompanying the Minister included High Commissioner Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, Ibrahim Darus, Director of Special Branch, Royal Malaysia Police, and Hafidz Othman, Deputy Commissioner General Rehabilitation, Malaysian Prison Department.

President Zardari emphasized the importance of the relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia, highlighting shared values and people-to-people ties. He noted the progress in institutional cooperation, especially in internal security, immigration, and judicial matters, and advocated for continued coordination to address mutual concerns.

Discussions also covered the potential for increasing bilateral trade, with President Zardari advocating for expanded market access in Malaysia for Pakistani products such as rice, potatoes, wheat, poultry, and animal feed. The Malaysian Minister noted the significance of this year marking the 69th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and mentioned ongoing efforts to increase the current 14 weekly flights connecting various cities of Pakistan with Malaysia.

President Zardari expressed optimism that the visit would enhance institutional ties and deepen the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia.