ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met Malaysian Home Minister Dato' Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening ties with Malaysia across multiple areas, including security, law enforcement, trade and investment.

The meeting came as Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur seek to build on their longstanding relationship through increased high-level engagement and cooperation in both economic and strategic areas.

Pakistan and Malaysia have historically enjoyed close and cordial relations, with Pakistan being among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Malaysia in 1957. Over the decades, the two countries have expanded their partnership across political, economic, defense and people-to-people ties.

During his meeting with the Malaysian home minister, PM Sharif discussed the regional situation and appreciated Malaysia’s support for Pakistan’s regional peace efforts, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on X.

The Malaysian minister conveyed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s greetings to PM Sharif and expressed Malaysia’s desire to further strengthen its “robust ties” with Pakistan.

Earlier, PM Sharif spoke with his Malaysian counterpart by telephone, inquired about his health and wished him a swift and early recovery.

The phone call came as the Malaysian prime minister recovers from an elective laparoscopic procedure to treat a para-umbilical hernia. His medical team said the surgery was successful and that he was undergoing physiotherapy under medical supervision.

The two prime ministers also expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation and resolved to maintain the momentum, particularly by enhancing trade and investment ties, according to the PMO.

“They resolved to continue this momentum, particularly with a view to enhance their trade & investment ties,” the PMO said.

PM Anwar also praised Pakistan’s regional peace efforts and expressed gratitude to this Pakistani counterpart and Pakistan Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their leadership in advancing those efforts.

The Malaysian home minister’s visit also included a meeting with CDF Munir, during which the two sides discussed regional security dynamics and matters of mutual interest.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both sides reaffirmed the “strong and enduring bonds” between Pakistan and Malaysia and expressed their resolve to broaden cooperation and engagement in areas of shared interest.

CDF Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening defense collaboration and strategic engagement with Malaysia, ISPR said.

During his visit, earlier this week, the Malaysian home minister also visited the Pakistan Monument and Islamabad Police Lines, where he paid tribute to the country’s martyrs and reviewed a police parade, the interior ministry said in posts on X.

He later visited the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) headquarters, where he was briefed on its digital systems and initiatives to facilitate citizens.

The minister, according to the ministry, praised NADRA’s use of modern technology, saying its digital services reflected Pakistan’s technological capabilities.

Pakistan Malaysia ties

Pakistan, Malaysia to deepen security, trade and investment cooperation