Pakistan-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations Set To Become More Vibrant

By Samantha Tan KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Malaysia, which entered its 60th year this year, are set to become more vibrant as the two countries further enhance bilateral ties. Pakistan High Commissioner to Malaysia, Syed Hassan Raza, said he expected a high-level delegation from Malaysia to visit Pakistan and vice versa this year to boost bilateral relations. "We expect Foreign Minister (Anifah Aman) to visit Pakistan this year, while a high-level military delegation from both countries are expected to meet at the end of this year to exchange relevant views," he told Bernama at the 77th Pakistan Day celebration and 60th anniversary of Pakistan-Malaysia diplomatic relations, Thursday night. Syed Hassan said Pakistan and Malaysia established diplomatic relations immediately after Malaysia gained its independence in 1957 and both nations had cherished their friendly and brotherly relations based on shared views on international issues. He said both countries had wide-ranging cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, defence, science and information technology, education, culture, Islamic finance, halal sector as well as infrastructure and housing development. As for people-to-people contact and tourism, the envoy said it had shown an increase, especially in the past seven months following Malaysian-based Malindo Air expanding its route to Islamabad and Karachi after starting its direct flights to Lahore last year. Other than Malindo Air, Malaysia Airlines also flies to Karachi. Syed Hassan said growing connectivity between the two countries not only benefited the people but would encourage more companies and investors to explore opportunities and take full benefit of the Free Trade Agreement or formally known as the Malaysia Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA). Currently, Malaysian companies operating in Pakistan include developer BRDB in a joint venture with Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Lahore to develop a township, which will see Pakistan's first golf resort, and Malaysian telecommunications conglomerate Axiata Group Bhd. Syed Hassan also urged Pakistani companies to explore business opportunities in Malaysia and reap the benefits of the Pakistan-Malaysia FTA to access the ASEAN market with its population of 625 million. Also present at the event were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Joseph Kurup; the Sultanah of Pahang, Sultanah Kalsom; and Pakistan's Minister for Defence Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain. -- BERNAMA