Pakistan, Malaysia pledge to strengthen bilateral trade, defense ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim have pledged to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation on trade, defense, and global issues.

This was said in a joint statement released on Tuesday by Pakistan’s High Commission in Malaysia at the conclusion of Sharif’s three-day visit to Malaysia.

The statement said the two leaders held a bilateral meeting on 6 October 2025 and discussed Malaysia-Pakistan ties and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

They agreed to reconvene, at a mutually convenient time, the Joint Commission Meeting at the level of the foreign minister, the statement said.

Trade and investment 

Both leaders recognized the vast potential in trade and investment, and expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral trade and investment.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting balanced and sustainable economic ties through enhanced market access, business facilitation, and the effective utilization of the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA), the statement said.

Malaysia have expressed its intention to expand palm oil exports to Pakistan, in line with the increasing demand within Pakistan’s food processing and manufacturing sectors.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of halal. They agreed to explore joint research, innovation, and the development of sustainable agricultural production methods.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the strong ongoing defense collaboration under the purview of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) platform, since its establishment in 1997.

Defense cooperation 

Both sides also agreed to further deepen the bilateral defense cooperation, particularly in the field of defense science, technology, and industry, through knowledge and technology transfer.

The two leaders welcomed further cooperation in education, including technical and vocational training, and the enhancement of institutional partnerships.

The leaders agreed to explore collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The leaders agreed to enhance tourism promotion and cultural exchanges from both sides.

The leaders reaffirmed their support for enhanced collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI), including cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

The leaders noted the active cooperation on key issues within the framework of international organisations, particularly the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8) and reaffirmed their commitment towards mutual support for each other's initiatives and candidatures to the international bodies.

Palestinian statehood 

Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening the solidarity of the Muslim Ummah and upholding the true values of Islam.

The two leaders also commended the international community’s efforts to find pragmatic measures in resolving the question of granting a Palestinian statehood.

They agreed that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law including the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Combating Islamophobia 

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and a sustainable future for its people. 

They emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the interim Afghan authorities, particularly for combating terrorism, to prevent the use of Afghan soil against other countries.

They condemned all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia and incitement to violence, and reaffirmed their call upon the international community to undertake concerted action to combat intolerance.

Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship and expressed confidence in Malaysia’s leadership in steering ASEAN towards deeper regional integration, peace, and prosperity.

Sharif expressed deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Ibrahim and the Government of Malaysia for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit, the joint statement said.