ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim discussed the Gaza Peace Plan in a telephone call on Saturday, expressing hope for an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and a smoother flow of humanitarian aid amid efforts to secure lasting peace.

Sharif attended a summit in New York with leaders from eight Muslim-majority nations and US President Donald Trump in September to discuss the situation in Gaza before the peace plan was formally unveiled. The 20-point plan envisages a phased implementation beginning with a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

The Pakistani leader also took part in the signing ceremony of the ceasefire deal in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, earlier this month, underlining Islamabad’s diplomatic commitment to international peace efforts.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on his participation in the signing ceremony of the Gaza Peace Agreement in Sharm-el-Sheikh," said an official statement released by his office after the phone call.

"While welcoming this peace effort, both leaders expressed hope that it would help bring an immediate end to the suffering of the Palestinian people, ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region,” it added.

Sharif raised concerns about militant violence emanating from Afghan soil during the phone call while highlighting his country’s interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Malaysia’s leader also offered to play a constructive role in reducing tensions between the two neighboring countries, said the statement.

The call followed Sharif’s three-day visit to Malaysia in early October, where he and Ibrahim announced a $200 million halal-meat trade quota and pledged enhanced cooperation in the digital economy, agriculture and education.

Both countries described the visit as a renewed effort to expand economic and strategic ties between the two Muslim nations.

Sharif thanked the leadership and people of Malaysia for the warm hospitality during the Kuala Lumpur visit while expressing satisfaction over the trajectory of bilateral relations between both countries.