Saifuddin pointed to 2026 as a landmark year, marking 69 years of Pakistan-Malaysia diplomatic ties.
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari called for stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia in law enforcement to expand cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic ties, counterterrorism, narcotics control, human trafficking and migrant smuggling during a meeting with Malaysia’s Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail in Islamabad.
Zardari said Pakistan attaches great importance to its close and friendly relationship with Malaysia, which is built on shared faith, cultural links and strong people-to-people connections.
The meeting was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr and was also attended by Pakistan’s Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. The Malaysian delegation included High Commissioner to Pakistan Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, Ibrahim Darus, director of the Special Branch of the Royal Malaysia Police, and Hafidz Othman, deputy commissioner general of rehabilitation at the Malaysian Prison Department.
Zardari welcomed the progress made in institutional cooperation between the two countries, particularly in internal security, immigration, and legal and judicial affairs.
He said stronger coordination between Pakistani and Malaysian institutions could make it easier for citizens of both countries to travel, work and address shared concerns.
The president also called for closer cooperation in fighting cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking and the illegal movement of migrants. He said stronger law enforcement links could help both countries deal with these challenges more effectively.
Trade was another key topic during the meeting as Zardari urged Malaysia to provide greater access to its market for Pakistani products. These products include rice, potatoes, wheat, poultry and animal feed.
Saifuddin told the president that 2026 marks the 69th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Malaysia. The two countries established diplomatic ties in 1957, following Malaysia’s independence.
The Malaysian minister also said 14 flights each week currently connect different cities in Pakistan with Malaysia. He added that efforts are underway to increase the number of flights between the two countries.
