Both leaders strongly condemn Israeli genocide in Gaza and call for an immediate ceasefire

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD/PUTRAJAYA – Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and defence, reaffirming their long-standing partnership and commitment to peace, prosperity, and shared development across multiple sectors.

The understanding came during Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Malaysia from October 5 to 7, 2025, where he held wide-ranging talks with his Malaysian counterpart, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya. The visit marked Shehbaz Sharif’s first official trip to Malaysia since assuming office in March 2024.

During their meeting, the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding economic and defence cooperation. They agreed to strengthen trade and investment ties through enhanced market access, business facilitation, and the effective use of the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA).

Malaysia also announced plans to expand palm oil exports to Pakistan, while both sides committed to boosting collaboration in the halal industry, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, education, and tourism. Defence cooperation under the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) was reviewed, with both countries agreeing to deepen collaboration in defence technology, science, and industry.

The two leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation in cybersecurity, counterterrorism, climate change, and people-to-people exchanges.

Condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza
Both leaders strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza and reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. They called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, an end to the blockade, and unimpeded humanitarian access to the besieged population.

The leaders also urged the international community to intensify efforts toward a just and lasting peace in the Middle East and condemned all forms of Islamophobia and religious intolerance.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Government of Malaysia for the warm welcome and hospitality, reaffirming Pakistan’s full support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and the deepening of Pakistan–ASEAN engagement