President Asif Ali Zardari has called for further strengthening Pakistan-Malaysia cooperation in law enforcement, counter-terrorism, narcotics control, combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

He was talking to Malaysia’s Minister for Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, who called on him in Islamabad today.

Welcoming the Malaysian Minister and his delegation, the President said Pakistan attaches great importance to its close and fraternal relations with Malaysia, rooted in shared faith, culture, mutual respect and strong people-to-people ties.

He appreciated the positive progress in strengthening institutional cooperation, particularly in internal security, immigration, and legal and judicial matters.

The President said continued coordination between the relevant institutions of the two countries would help facilitate their citizens and address matters of mutual concern.

Matters relating to increasing bilateral trade also came under discussion.

The President stressed the need to explore greater market access in Malaysia for Pakistani products that are in demand there, including rice, potatoes, wheat, poultry and animal feed.

The visiting Minister said that 2026 marks the 69th year of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Malaysia, which were established in 1957 following Malaysia’s independence.

He also informed the President that 14 flights per week currently connect various cities of Pakistan with Malaysia and that efforts are under way to further increase the frequency of flights.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed confidence that the visit would contribute to strengthening institutional ties and further deepening the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia.