Islamabad, October 13,2026: Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Bin Mazlan has called for expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia in trade, investment, education, tourism, artificial intelligence and the halal industry, emphasizing the need to translate longstanding political and brotherly ties into stronger economic and people-to-people relations.
Addressing the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad’s Meet the Press programme, the high commissioner said the two countries had established a strategic partnership in 2019 and were continuing efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations.
He highlighted significant opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors, saying enhanced commercial engagement and closer people-to-people contacts could take Pakistan-Malaysia relations to new heights.
The high commissioner was received at the press club by NPC President Abdul Razzaq Siyal, Secretary General Dr. Furqan Rao and senior journalists. During his visit, he planted a sapling on the club’s lawn and toured its various sections.
Welcoming the guest, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Siyal highlighted the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Malaysia and thanked the high commissioner for visiting the press club.
Dr. Furqan Rao briefed the visiting dignitary on the club’s administrative structure, governing body, membership, facilities and initiatives for journalists’ welfare.
Discussing economic relations, the high commissioner described Pakistan as an important trading partner of Malaysia in palm oil imports, placing it among Malaysia’s fourth- or fifth-largest partners in the sector.
He also highlighted joint ventures between Pakistani and Malaysian companies in edible oil refining in Karachi and Port Qasim, describing them as examples of growing commercial cooperation.
He said both countries were keen to explore further opportunities to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen business-to-business links.
Highlighting educational cooperation, Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Bin Mazlan said approximately 5,000 Pakistani students were studying at Malaysian universities, while Malaysia hosted around 200,000 international students from across the world.
He noted that Pakistani students in Malaysia could also pursue qualifications recognized by universities in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, adding that educational exchanges remained an important pillar of bilateral relations.
The high commissioner stressed that closer people-to-people contacts, along with cooperation in tourism and emerging technologies, could further deepen ties between the two countries.
On defence cooperation, he said collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia was continuing, with meetings of the bilateral defence cooperation committee scheduled for the following two days.
Referring to longstanding military links, he noted that Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had received training at a Malaysian staff college in 2001.
He also highlighted the close relationship between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, saying their engagement was helping advance bilateral relations and create opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors.
Commenting on regional developments, the Malaysian high commissioner described Saudi Arabia as a sovereign country and a close friend of Malaysia. He condemned the attack on Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with its government and people.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, referring to Islamabad’s contributions to peace efforts, including the Islamabad peace understanding.
He said Malaysia valued Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The visit concluded with a tour of the National Press Club’s facilities. The high commissioner’s tree plantation at the club’s lawn also underscored the importance of environmental awareness and institutional engagement.
