Malaysia, Pakistan Close Ties Expand Economic Opportunities, Strengthen Islamic World Unity- Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Close cooperation between Malaysia and Pakistan will not only expand economic opportunities, but also strengthen the unity of the Islamic world through trade, investment and a sustainable halal industry, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

The MADANI Government spokesman said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his counterpart Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had affirmed the strong bond of friendship, as well as the shared aspiration to build more dynamic and resilient cooperation.

"The leaders of the two countries held a bilateral meeting today, and exchanged views on regional and international issues.

"Both sides were satisfied, among others, with the continued efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, including through the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA)," he said in a Facebook post today.

Fahmi said Malaysia also expressed its intention to increase palm oil exports to Pakistan to meet the demand of the country's food processing and manufacturing sectors.

Both countries, he said, agreed to strengthen cooperation in the halal field including facilitating mutual recognition of halal certification, strengthening the halal food supply chain, and sharing best practices in halal certification.

"God willing, Malaysia and Pakistan will continue to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations," he said.

Shehbaz arrived in Malaysia yesterday to begin a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister.

The special plane carrying Shehbaz and the delegation landed at the Bunga Complex Raya, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 9.46 pm yesterday and their arrival was greeted by Fahmi.

Malaysia and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1957 and the bilateral relationship was upgraded to the level of Strategic Partnership in March 2019.

-- BERNAMA