Malaysia and Pakistan enjoys very cordial relations. Both are Muslim states and developing countries. Both are facing similar issues like corruption. There exist many areas where Malaysia is good experience and Pakistan may learn from Malaysia. There also exist some areas, where Pakistan can contribute to Malaysian developments.
The diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Pakistan were established in 1957. Although the relations between two countries have been passing through few challenges and ups-downs. But most of them were based on misunderstandings. But, when the relations have been normal, Pakistan became a supporter to the Federation of Malaysia which they refused to accept the non-inclusion of Brunei and the leaving of Singapore from the Malaysian Federation, Pakistan only established relations with those countries when Malaysia had done so. On 2 October 2005, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi held out assurance to Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz during an hour-long meeting that Malaysia will support Pakistan’s bid for a full dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Both countries collaborate in many sectors, especially, in higher education. Thousands of Pakistani youth are studying PhD and Master level programmes in Malaysia. Malaysia has become one of major contributor in human resource development for Pakistan. The educational standard in Malaysia is equivalent to British in quality almost but at much more affordable priced. At the same time, many leading professors from Pakistan are serving in Malaysian Universities. Collaboration between two brotherly nations is excellent and will grow further in future.
Malaysia has very good experience in tourism industry, while Pakistan wanted to exploit its natural beauty for tourism. Collaboration in tourism Industry, may be beneficial for both countries. Pakistan has offered incentive based opportunities in this sector. Malaysian investors may avail this opportunity to make more profit and at the same time help Pakistan to boost tourism.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has attended Pakistan’s National Day celebrations as guest of honor. His visit was given high importance and considered as beginning of new era of our friendship. Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations into a strategic partnership. It marks a new level of the bilateral cooperation between both countries in various fields, namely trade in palm oil, agricultural products, food retail, halal products, automotive parts, energy, science and technology, and telecommunication investment.
This new level of partnership will entail further engagement and enhance cooperation between the two countries in all dimensions.
There exists many similarities between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Prime Minister Mahatir Bin Muhammad. Both are honest, visionary and patriot leaders. Both shares similar views on national and international issues. During the recent visit, they held a restricted meeting, which was termed fruitful and in-depth discussions, took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere. The discussion covered a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests.
In a landmark cooperation in the automotive industry between Pakistan-Malaysia, Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and Prime Minister Imran Khan jointly officiated the Symbolic Ground-Breaking Ceremony of PROTON plant in Islamabad, Pakistan which will boost the manufacturing and services industry for both countries.
Pakistan and Malaysia reaffirmed the importance of the cooperation between the private sectors of both countries. Both Leaders witnessed the signing of Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding in the field of investment and cooperation, particularly in the telecommunication sector. They also acknowledged that this investment would serve to promote and strengthen the economic ties between both countries.
Malaysia took note of the massive counter-terrorism efforts that Pakistan has successfully undertaken in an effort to eliminate terrorism. Cooperation in this area is expected to enhance.
Cooperation in growing momentum for halal products among consumers worldwide. Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad conveyed his readiness to share Malaysia’s experience and expertise in the halal industry with Pakistan. Pakistan has huge potential in halal food, which will be exploited fully with collaboration with Malaysia.
As two peace-loving Islamic nations, the two Leaders agreed to increase their collaborative efforts to uphold the true values of Islam in international fora while strengthening the solidarity of the Muslim Ummah. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate more closely on issues affecting the Muslim world including taking joint efforts in underscoring Muslim sensitivities that target Muslim holy personalities and religious belief. Both stressed that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion or belief.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan has always looked upon Malaysian Prime Minister as a Muslim statesman who changed his country. In fact, Malaysia is one of the most modern, developed and Muslim country. Its achievements in economic front, tourism, harmony among all religions & races, while keep strict Islamic ideology and practices, can be role model for whole Muslim World. Especially, under the emerging of Islamophobia in the world, which has badly affected the Muslims all over the world. Pakistan and Malaysia can also cooperate on this particular issue with the aim to bring improvement in the perception of Muslims and reduce hatred and fear towards Muslims.
