Pakistan and Malaysia on Friday expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation and vowed to further enhance trade and investment ties to sustain the momentum.

The development came during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, earlier in the evening.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the conversation was described as warm and cordial, with Prime Minister Shehbaz inquiring about Dr Ibrahim’s health and wishing him a swift and early recovery.

“The two Prime Ministers expressed their satisfaction at the current positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia,” the statement said, adding that they vowed to continue the momentum, particularly with a view to enhancing trade and investment ties.

Regional developments, particularly the situation in the Gulf, also came up for discussion, it added.

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During the conversation, Dr Ibrahim praised Pakistan’s regional peace efforts and expressed his gratitude to PM Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their leadership roles in steering the efforts.

The prime minister thanked his Malaysian counterpart for Malaysia’s consistent support for Pakistan’s regional peace efforts and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue working closely with brotherly and friendly countries, including Malaysia, to advance prospects for peace in the Middle East.

Both leaders agreed to meet on a mutually convenient occasion in the near future.

PM Shehbaz also extended his invitation to Dr Ibrahim to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

Malaysian home minister, Field Marshal Munir discuss regional security

Meanwhile, Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, along with the country’s ambassador to Pakistan and a high-level delegation, called on Field Marshal Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed regional security dynamics and matters of mutual interest, according to a statement.

Both sides reaffirmed the strong and enduring bonds between Pakistan and Malaysia and expressed their resolve further to broaden cooperation and engagement in areas of shared interest.

Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening defence collaboration and strategic engagement with Malaysia.