Pakistan and Malaysia have expressed the resolve to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including economy, trade, investment, commerce, agriculture, tourism, education and defence. 

Addressing a joint news conference in Islamabad today along with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a whole gamut of cooperation was discussed during the meeting.

He said we covered trade, investment opportunities, strategic and defence cooperation, tourism, agriculture, semiconductor, green energy, skilled labor, and youth empowerment.

Shehbaz Sharif said export of Halal meat to the tune of 200 million dollars per annum as well as selling basmati rice was discussed. He assured the Malaysian Prime Minister that Pakistan will not compromise on quality and commitment in this regard.

The Prime Minister said thousands of Pakistani students are getting high quality education in Malaysia, which is commendable. He expressed the confidence that Malaysian students will also be welcomed to study in Pakistani institutions.

Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Malaysia's stand on Gaza and the oppressed people of Palestine. He said the unsettled question of Kashmir is a matter of grave concern for a peaceful world. He said innocent people of Kashmir are struggling for their basic right to self-determination. 

In his remarks, the Malaysian Prime Minister said a trade office will be opened in Karachi next month to enhance bilateral trade, including the import of Halal meat and rice from Pakistan.

Talking about the issue of skilled labour, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim said our focus is on professionals in the field of information technology, digital and artificial intelligence. He said Malaysia is regarded as hub of semiconductor industry and we should collaborate in this field too.

The Malaysian Prime Minister further said we discussed special economic zones, the issue of trade, investment, military and defence procurement. He said Malaysia looks forward to increase number of flights to Pakistan as well as to welcome Pakistani tourists in the country.

Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim appreciated and supported Pakistan's stance on Gaza and Palestine. He said we are also committed to support the UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir and this issue should be resolved amicably.

The Malaysian Prime Minister lauded the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the philosophy of Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal.