ISLAMABAD: Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan H.E. Dato’ Mohammad Azhar bin Mazlan visited the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad and participated in its “Meet the Press” programme, highlighting opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia in trade, investment, education, tourism, artificial intelligence and the halal industry.
Upon his arrival, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary General Dr. Furqan Rao and senior journalists warmly welcomed the distinguished guest. The High Commissioner also planted a sapling on the Press Club’s lawn and visited various sections of the club.
Addressing the “Meet the Press” programme, the Malaysian High Commissioner said that both countries aimed to translate their longstanding political ties into greater trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that there were extensive opportunities to expand cooperation across various sectors.
He recalled that Pakistan and Malaysia had signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2019, under which efforts were continuing to further strengthen bilateral relations.
The High Commissioner described Pakistan as an important trading partner for Malaysia in palm oil imports, noting that Pakistan ranked among Malaysia’s fourth or fifth-largest partners in the palm oil trade. He also highlighted ongoing joint ventures between Pakistani and Malaysian companies in edible oil refining in Karachi and Port Qasim, describing them as a reflection of growing economic cooperation between the two countries.
Highlighting educational ties, he said that approximately 5,000 Pakistani students were studying at Malaysian universities. He added that Malaysia hosted around 200,000 international students from across the world. Pakistani students also had opportunities to pursue degrees recognised by universities in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia while studying in Malaysia.
Speaking about defence cooperation, the High Commissioner said that collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia in the defence sector was continuing. He announced that meetings of the bilateral defence cooperation committee were scheduled to take place on the following two days.
He also referred to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s training at Malaysia’s Staff College in 2001 as an example of the longstanding defence ties between the two countries.
Dato’ Mohammad Azhar bin Mazlan further noted that the close relationship between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was helping advance bilateral relations. He said both countries were keen to broaden cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism, artificial intelligence and the halal industry.
Commenting on the regional situation, the Malaysian High Commissioner described Saudi Arabia as a sovereign state and a close friend of Malaysia. He condemned the attack on Saudi Arabia and expressed full solidarity with the Saudi government and people.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, saying that Islamabad had played an important part in efforts to advance peace and reconciliation in the region, including through the Islamabad peace understanding. He said Malaysia valued Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability both within the region and beyond.
Earlier, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial welcomed the High Commissioner and expressed gratitude for his visit, stating that Pakistan and Malaysia enjoyed longstanding brotherly relations.
NPC Secretary General Dr. Furqan Rao briefed the guest on the Press Club’s administrative structure, the role of its governing body, membership, facilities and initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of its members.
The visit concluded with the High Commissioner planting a sapling on the Press Club’s lawn and touring its various departments. Senior journalists and other officials were also present on the occasion.
