ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s three-day official visit to Pakistan, which begins today, is set to breathe new life into Malaysia — Pakistan diplomatic relations which is entering its 62nd year.
Several issues of mutual interest are expected to be given particular attention, especially via the four-eyed meeting between Dr Mahathir and his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim said the prime minister had a packed schedule ahead, in particular on the final two days of his trip.
He said Dr Mahathir and Imran would chair a delegation meeting before issuing a joint statement.
“Malaysia and Pakistan will also host a meeting with captains of industry, in which both prime ministers will deliver their respective messages.
“The issues which will be touched on include efforts to strengthen bilateral relations in politics and security; economic cooperation, trade, investment and social development.
“Administrative aspects, as agreed upon in their meeting in Kuala Lumpur last November, are also expected to be on the cards, apart from anti-corruption issues.”
Ikram said, in terms of investment, the leaders would witness the exchange of memoranda of understanding between Malaysian and Pakistani telecommunication companies, as well as a symbolic launch of the Proton assembly plant in Sindh, Karachi.
“Two-way trade between Malaysia and Pakistan stood at US$$1.46 billion (RM5.92 billion) in 2018, an increase of 9.1 per cent from the US$1.34 billion recorded the year before.
“Malaysia is Pakistan’s third largest foreign investor, just behind China and the United Kingdom. Pakistani investment in Malaysia in 2018 stood at RM12.9 million.”
Ikram said Dr Mahathir’s visit to Islamabad was in his capacity as a guest of honour in conjunction with Pakistan’s National Day this Saturday.
“Dr Mahathir is also scheduled to receive the prestigious Nishan-e-Pakistan award, which will be presented by Pakistan President Dr Arif Ali.
“The Nishan-e-Pakistan is the highest of civil awards and decorations given by the Pakistani government, conferred for the merit and distinguished services to the country, international community, and foreign relations. Past recipients included Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“This represents a huge honour for Malaysia,” he said.