Pakistan and Malaysia Agree to Boost Trade Ties, Call for Gaza Ceasefire

Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties during a meeting between their foreign ministers on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Malaysia's Foreign Minister Dato Seri Utama Haji Mohamad reviewed the trade and investment relationship between their countries and decided to hold the next round of the Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting in Islamabad later this year to explore economic opportunities.

The two sides agreed to study markets in both countries and take advantage of opportunities in different sectors to boost trade and investment. "They decided to hold the next round of the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in Islamabad this year and study markets in both countries to take advantage of opportunities in different sectors for economic outcomes," according to a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.

During their meeting, Minister Dar and Foreign Minister Mohamad also discussed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. They called for an immediate end to hostilities and emphasized the need to provide urgent humanitarian relief to Palestinians affected by the conflict. The two foreign ministers underscored the importance of closer cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to find a peaceful and durable solution to the Palestinian question.

Why this matters: The agreement between Pakistan and Malaysia to boost economic ties reflects the growing importance of trade and investment cooperation among developing countries. The call for an immediate Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian access highlights the international community's concern over the escalating violence and deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories.

Dar invited Mohamad to visit Pakistan, which the Malaysian Foreign Minister accepted. The meeting between the two leaders took place as part of the World Economic Forum's special meeting in Riyadh from April 27-28, 2024, which brought together government and business leaders to discuss key global challenges and opportunities. The Pakistani and Malaysian foreign ministers' discussions on enhancing economic relations and addressing the Gaza crisis underscore the significance of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in promoting peace, stability and development.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan, Malaysia agree to boost bilateral trade and investment ties.
• Next Joint Ministerial Commission meeting to be held in Islamabad this year.
• Ministers discuss ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, call for ceasefire.
• Cooperation within OIC framework to find peaceful solution to Palestinian issue.
• Meeting held on sidelines of World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.