ISLAMABAD: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday expressed hope for increased Pakistani investment, noting it had grown to nearly $397 million in recent years, as the two countries look to deepen economic and diplomatic ties.
Ibrahim’s comments came shortly after a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif, during which both leaders exchanged Eid Al-Fitr greetings and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Sharif is expected to travel to Kuala Lumpur in May on an official visit, following Ibrahim’s three-day trip to Islamabad last October. That visit saw the signing of several memoranda of understanding between the two sides and the conferment of Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on the Malaysian leader.
“This evening, I spoke with my counterpart from Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, exchanging and reaffirming our commitment to strengthening Malaysia-Pakistan ties,” Ibrahim wrote in a post on social media platform X. “Our friendship continues to deepen, opening new avenues for cooperation, particularly following my visit to Pakistan last October.”
“Pakistan’s investments in Malaysia have grown to approximately $397 million, and I welcome further investments, especially in agriculture, petrochemicals and biomass industries,” he said.
The two leaders also reviewed collaboration in trade, education and research while agreeing to expedite pending matters to advance shared goals, Ibrahim added.
The Malaysian prime minister said the conversation also covered the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where “Israel’s violations of the ceasefire continue to undermine peace efforts.”
Both leaders discussed coordinated efforts to support reconstruction in the besieged territory and to end the violence against Palestinians.
“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Shehbaz on his maiden visit to Malaysia on 9 May,” Ibrahim said, expressing his hope that the partnership would continue to strengthen for the benefit of both nations.
Pakistan and Malaysia have long maintained cordial relations, with both countries working to expand cooperation in various sectors.
The renewed outreach comes as Islamabad intensifies its economic diplomacy to attract foreign investment and revive its struggling economy.
Malaysia PM seeks deeper economic ties as investment from Pakistan hits $397 million
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Malaysia PM seeks deeper economic ties as investment from Pakistan hits $397 million
- Anwar Ibrahim wants more Pakistani investment in agriculture, petrochemicals and biomass industries
- He says his government is looking forward to PM Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Kuala Lumpur in May
Pakistan, Oman navies discuss maritime security, ink agreement to share shipping data
- Visiting Oman royal navy commander calls on Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf in Islamabad
- White shipping agreement refers to exchange of prior information on movement of commercial ships
ISLAMABAD: The naval commanders of Pakistan and Oman discussed regional maritime security on Wednesday and signed an agreement to share shipping information with each other, the Pakistan Navy said in a statement.
The press release followed a meeting between Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the visiting Oman Royal Navy Commander Rear Admiral Saif Bin Nasser Bin Mohsin Al Rahbi at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.
Both navies maintain close professional relations, reflected in expert-level staff talks, joint training, bilateral exercises, and participation in multilateral exercises between the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional maritime security and bilateral naval cooperation were discussed,” the Pakistan Navy said.
The MoU was signed by both sides at a ceremony at the Naval Headquarters, the navy’s media wing confirmed.
“The MoU is aimed at establishing of guidelines and procedures for information sharing in order to enhance mutual awareness of white shipping,” the Pakistan Navy said in a statement.
White shipping agreement refers to the exchange of prior information on the movement and identity of commercial non-military merchant vessels.
Information regarding the identity of vessels helps countries tackle potential threats from sea routes. This particularly helps in the development of a proper regional maritime domain awareness
The statement said Al Rahbi lauded Pakistan Navy’s professionalism and acknowledged its ongoing contributions to maritime security and regional stability.
Pakistan and Oman share geographical proximity and common maritime boundaries. Bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries span a wide range of areas, including economic cooperation, people-to-people contacts and strong defense ties.
In December, a Royal Navy flotilla from Oman visited Karachi to take part in the annual bilateral Thamar Al Tayyib (TAT) 2025 exercise.
Pakistan Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman have been conducting the TAT series of exercises regularly since 1980.
