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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the ongoing official visit by his Pakistani counterpart, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, as a catalyst for a renewed strategic partnership between the two countries.
Speaking in a statement on Tuesday, Anwar said the visit was more than a diplomatic formality, highlighting its potential to deepen cooperation and bolster long-standing ties between Malaysia and Pakistan.
"This visit is not only about strengthening the friendship between our two nations, but it also opens a new chapter of strategic collaboration for the well-being of the people of Malaysia and Pakistan," Anwar said.
Earlier in the day, Anwar welcomed Shehbaz and his delegation during an official ceremony at Perdana Square, which included an inspection of the guard of honour mounted by the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment.
Shehbaz arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Monday night, marking the start of a three-day official visit. His special aircraft landed at 9.46pm at the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where he was received by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra), the visit reciprocates Anwar’s official visit to Pakistan in October 2024. Shehbaz is accompanied by several Cabinet members, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Following the welcoming ceremony, the two leaders led their respective delegations in a bilateral meeting held in what Anwar described as a “warm, open and constructive” atmosphere.
The visit underscores growing interest from both sides to enhance economic, political and cultural cooperation, while signalling Kuala Lumpur and Islamabad’s shared desire to work more closely on regional and global challenges. - October 6, 2025
