ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Malaysia next month on the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The announcement was made by Malaysian High Commissioner Muhammad Azhar Mazlan at a reception held at Serena Hotel on Wednesday evening to mark Malaysia’s 68th National Day. Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani attended the event as the chief guest and joined in the cake-cutting ceremony.
High Commissioner Mazlan expressed satisfaction over the strong and growing relations between Pakistan and Malaysia. He said the two countries enjoy close ties based on shared values, mutual respect, and cooperation in trade, education, and culture.
“The sky is the limit for enhancing our relations for the benefit of both nations,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz’s upcoming visit would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Mazlan also conveyed condolences over the loss of lives and property in Pakistan due to recent floods and reaffirmed Malaysia’s support and solidarity with the people of Pakistan.
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Earlier in the day, the Malaysian High Commission held a flag-raising ceremony to mark the occasion, highlighting this year’s National Day theme: “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni” (nation-building and inclusivity).
Speaking at the reception, Bilal Kayani said Pakistan values its strong relations with Malaysia. He recalled the recent meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in China and said the upcoming visit would further boost economic, political, and cultural ties.
The event was attended by diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and members of the Malaysian community. Traditional Malaysian music, cultural performances, and cuisine were also featured.
Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev noted the importance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing and said the Pakistani leader is also expected to visit Russia in November.
Indian Charge d’Affaires Geetika Srivastava was also present. She described her stay in Islamabad as comfortable but avoided political comments on India-Pakistan relations.
Malaysia, which gained independence from Britain on August 31, 1957, established diplomatic relations with Pakistan the same year. Both countries have since worked closely in forums like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and ASEAN dialogue partnerships.
