Islamabad, October 13, 2026 – The Europe Today: Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan H.E. Dato’ Mohammad Azhar bin Mazlan has emphasized the need to translate the longstanding political friendship between Pakistan and Malaysia into stronger cooperation in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
Addressing the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad’s “Meet the Press” programme during his visit to the club, the High Commissioner said the two countries had significant opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including the economy, trade, education, tourism, artificial intelligence and the halal industry.
He noted that Pakistan and Malaysia signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2019, under which efforts were continuing to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Upon his arrival at the National Press Club, the Malaysian High Commissioner was received by NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary General Dr. Furqan Rao and senior journalists. The club’s leadership welcomed the distinguished guest and expressed appreciation for his visit.
In his remarks, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial highlighted the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Malaysia and thanked the High Commissioner for visiting the press club.
NPC Secretary General Dr. Furqan Rao briefed the guest on the club’s administrative structure, the role of its governing body, membership arrangements and facilities available to members, as well as initiatives undertaken for their welfare.
Speaking about economic ties, the High Commissioner described Pakistan as an important trading partner for Malaysia in palm oil imports, ranking fourth or fifth among Malaysia’s trading partners in this sector.
He said Pakistani and Malaysian companies were also engaged in joint ventures involving edible oil refining in Karachi and Port Qasim, reflecting the growing economic cooperation between the two countries.
Highlighting educational ties, 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 added that Pakistani students studying in Malaysia could also access educational opportunities leading to degrees recognised by universities in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
On defence cooperation, the High Commissioner said collaboration between the armed forces of Pakistan and Malaysia was continuing, with meetings of the bilateral defence cooperation committee scheduled for the following two days.
He cited Field Marshal Asim Munir’s training at a Malaysian staff college in 2001 as an example of the longstanding defence links between the two countries.
The High Commissioner further noted that close relations between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim were helping advance bilateral engagement and strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
Commenting on regional developments, he described Saudi Arabia as a sovereign state and a close friend of Malaysia. Condemning the attack on Saudi Arabia, he expressed full solidarity with the Saudi government and people.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, highlighting its efforts to advance peace and reconciliation, including through the Islamabad peace understanding. He said Malaysia valued Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability both within the region and beyond.
Earlier, the Malaysian High Commissioner planted a sapling on the National Press Club’s lawn as a gesture of goodwill. He was also given a tour of various sections of the club.
NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary General Dr. Furqan Rao and other officials and journalists were present on the occasion.
