Malaysia Supports Pakistan’s Inclusion as ASEAN Dialogue Partner: Mohammad Azhar Mazlan
The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, H.E. Muhammad Azhar Mazlan, hosted an Iftar reception at the Malaysian Embassy on Thursday evening. The event served as a platform to promote and highlight Malaysia’s priorities and vision as the ASEAN Chair in 2025 while also strengthening Malaysia-Pakistan relations. The reception was attended by members of the Pakistani media and distinguished guests.
Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner extended warm greetings, emphasizing the values of unity, reflection, and generosity that define the holy month of Ramadan. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to fostering closer ties within the ASEAN community and with Pakistan. Highlighting the significant potential for bilateral trade and investment, he pointed out that the recent visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Pakistan was of great importance in reinforcing economic and diplomatic cooperation. He further revealed that the Prime Minister of Pakistan is scheduled to visit Malaysia in May this year, while the Chairman Senate of Pakistan will also be visiting Malaysia this month to attend the Intra-Parliamentary session.
The High Commissioner noted that Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 marks a crucial milestone, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community. Under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Malaysia aims to strengthen ASEAN’s role as a people-centred, forward-looking, and resilient organization. He emphasized that as challenges and opportunities arise, Malaysia is dedicated to ensuring ASEAN remains a strong and united community committed to regional peace, stability, and economic growth while promoting sustainability and inclusivity.
As part of its chairmanship priorities, Malaysia will focus on enhancing ASEAN Centrality by fostering strategic trust, sustained dialogues, and diplomacy among nations. Expanding ASEAN’s global partnerships and boosting intra-ASEAN trade and investment will be key objectives. Economic progress will be driven through digital resilience, green finance, and investment, alongside efforts to bridge development gaps and improve living standards while addressing climate change impacts. Malaysia has also reaffirmed its commitment to expediting the admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member, further strengthening regional unity.
During the event, the High Commissioner underscored the vital role of media in promoting ASEAN’s vision and fostering greater understanding among the people. He encouraged collaboration in highlighting ASEAN’s commitment to unity and progress, inviting media representatives to be partners in this journey.
Speaking about Malaysia-Pakistan trade relations, he acknowledged that the current trade volume stands at $1.4 billion, which does not reflect the full potential of economic cooperation. He disclosed that efforts are underway to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030. He further stated that the Prime Ministers of both countries have discussed mechanisms to enhance economic engagement, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, exchange of visits, and institutional mechanisms such as the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) and Bilateral Consultations.
During a question-and-answer session, the High Commissioner highlighted Malaysia’s plans to declare 2026 as the “Year of Tourism,” inviting Pakistanis, including media representatives, to visit Malaysia. He mentioned that Pakistani visitors would find familiar culinary options in Malaysia, as many Pakistani restaurants operate in the country, with a dedicated street of Pakistani hotels in Kuala Lumpur. He also expressed Malaysia’s interest in strengthening trade links between ASEAN, Pakistan, and Central Asia, particularly in sectors such as edible oil and halal cosmetics. He noted that Malaysia sees Pakistan as a gateway to the Central Asian Republics (CARs), providing an avenue for Malaysian products to reach these markets. Additionally, he pointed out that Pakistan is itself a significant market for halal cosmetics, given that half of its population consists of women who use cosmetic products. Malaysia has already been importing halal beef from Pakistan, further solidifying trade ties between the two countries.
Concluding his remarks, the High Commissioner expressed his gratitude to the attendees and reiterated Malaysia’s dedication to strengthening Malaysia-Pakistan relations and ASEAN’s collective growth. He extended his best wishes for Ramadan, underscoring the spirit of friendship and cooperation that defines Malaysia’s diplomatic approach.
