Pakistan, Malaysia vow to strengthen ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening ties with Malaysia across all spheres, including security, law enforcement, trade and investment.

In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said Malaysian Home Minister Dato' Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail called on PM Shehbaz at the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad.

During the meeting, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening the close and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Malaysia across all spheres, including security, law enforcement, trade and investment, the statement said.

"The regional situation was also discussed during the meeting. In this context, the prime minister appreciated Malaysia's support for Pakistan's regional peace efforts," it added.

Ismail also expressed his country's keen desire to further strengthen its robust ties with Pakistan.

Moreover, the Malaysian home minister and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi signed an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons between the two countries.

The agreement was signed days after the arrest of around 300 foreign nationals involved in IT-related fraud cases in Pakistan.

Earlier, the premier held a telephone conversation with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, during which the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional developments, particularly the situation in the Gulf.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, PM Shehbaz inquired about Anwar's health and wished him a swift recovery.

The two leaders resolved to maintain the momentum in bilateral cooperation, particularly by strengthening trade and investment ties.

Anwar praised Pakistan's regional peace efforts and expressed gratitude to PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their leadership in advancing the efforts.