ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim left for Malaysia on Friday after completing his three-day state visit to Pakistan which, he said, held a “great personal significance”.

Following the visit, the Malaysian prime minister wrote on his X timeline that the “engagements with my counterpart Shehbaz Sharif and President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, alongside discussions with industry representatives, resulted in productive outcomes encompassing a wide array of mutual interests”.

He said that these interactions underscored the commitment of the highest leadership to enhance relations.

“Certainly, there will be increased cooperation in all areas of trade and agricultural technology including meat, rice and palm oil imports by Pakistan, and the two countries will also expand cooperation in the skilled worker sector through critical areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital and semiconductors,” Mr Ibrahim added.

The Malaysian prime minister was also conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award by President Zardari at a special investiture ceremony. He was also conferred an honorary PhD degree by the National University of Science and Technology, where he also delivered a lecture.

Army’s role praised

The Malaysian prime minister also held a meeting with Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir at General Head­quarters on Friday.

During the meeting, he praised the role of armed forces of Pakistan in regional peace and stability, acknowledging their professionalism and sacrifices in combating terrorism.

The two sides discussed bilateral strategic interests, regional security, and defence cooperation, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2024