ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP): High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan Dato Mohammad Azhar bin Mazlan on Tuesday called for enhanced trade, investment, educational and tourism cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia, saying the two countries could further strengthen their longstanding bilateral relations through collaboration in multiple sectors. Addressing a “Meet the Press” programme at the National Press Club (NPC), he said the two countries enjoyed longstanding brotherly relations, underpinned by shared …
Pakistan, Malaysia vow to deepen trade, investment, education ties
ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP): High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan Dato Mohammad Azhar bin Mazlan on Tuesday called for enhanced trade, investment, educational and tourism cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia, saying the two countries could further strengthen their longstanding bilateral relations through collaboration in multiple sectors.
Addressing a “Meet the Press” programme at the National Press Club (NPC), he said the two countries enjoyed longstanding brotherly relations, underpinned by shared cultural values, religious affinities and people-to-people contacts.
He said Pakistan and Malaysia had maintained diplomatic relations since 1957, shortly after Malaysia’s independence, and elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in March 2019 to broaden cooperation in defence, trade, energy, telecommunications and the halal sector.
He described Pakistan as an important market for Malaysian palm oil and highlighted an ongoing joint venture between Pakistani and Malaysian companies for edible oil refining at Port Qasim, Karachi.
Emphasising the importance of educational cooperation, he said Malaysia was keen to attract more Pakistani students to its universities, which offered internationally recognised qualifications and an educational environment compatible with their cultural values.
He said Pakistan ranked among the top five countries of origin for international students in Malaysia.
Highlighting defence cooperation, the High Commissioner referred to the longstanding military ties between the two countries and said a joint committee on defence cooperation was scheduled to meet during the week.
He also highlighted opportunities for expanding tourism cooperation, noting that thousands of Malaysian tourists visited Pakistan last year, many of them travelling to the country’s northern areas.
He said Malaysia had extended its “Visit Malaysia” campaign through 2027 as part of its efforts to promote tourism and attract international visitors.
The High Commissioner also highlighted the Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which has provided training opportunities to participants from 189 countries, including Pakistan.
He expressed hope for greater trade and investment between the two countries and invited Pakistani media representatives to attend a business engagement scheduled to be hosted by the Malaysian High Commission later in the week.
Emphasising the role of the media, he said responsible journalism was essential for national development, warning that fake news and irresponsible reporting could damage a country’s reputation. He urged media practitioners to ensure accurate and responsible reporting to keep the public informed.
Earlier, NPC Secretary Furqan Rao welcomed the High Commissioner and appreciated his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. He said bilateral trade between the two countries was worth around $1.5 billion and highlighted Malaysia’s role in providing educational opportunities to Pakistani students.
Rao also proposed cooperation between the NPC and Malaysian media organisations, including journalist associations and press clubs, through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate professional exchanges and strengthen media collaboration.
NPC President Razzak Sial delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the High Commissioner for visiting the press club and interacting with journalists.
He expressed hope for enhanced cooperation between the two countries to further strengthen bilateral ties.
The visit was a part of the press club’s engagement with diplomatic representatives to discuss matters of mutual interest.
