PM Shehbaz exchanges Eid greetings with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah & Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

ISLAMABAD, June 19 (SABAH): On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid greetings with the Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister conveyed his sincere wishes and prayers for the prosperity and progress of the fraternal people of Malaysia as well as for the Muslim Ummah.

While discussing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the Prime Minister appreciated Malaysia’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestinian cause, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two leaders agreed to redouble efforts for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza as well as to ensure provision of essential aid to the innocent Palestinian brethren.

Underscoring the close and cordial relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction on the upward trajectory of bilateral ties. The two sides agreed to further strengthen their relations, which are marked by commonality of views on all issues of mutual interest.

While recalling their recent warm and productive meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting in Riyadh in April 2024, as well as two telephone conversations in the last four months, the two leaders underscored the need for maintaining regular high-level exchanges. In this regard, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for graciously accepting his invitation to visit Pakistan in the very near future.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further broaden the historic ties between Pakistan and Malaysia in all areas of mutual interest, particularly in trade and investment.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended warm Eid-ul-Adha greetings to His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait in a cordial telephone conversation.

On this auspicious occasion, the Prime Minister conveyed his sincere wishes and prayers for peace, prosperity and happiness of the brotherly people of Kuwait as well as Muslims around the world.

During their conversation, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the significance of the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Pakistan and Kuwait, characterized by mutual respect, shared values, and common religious heritage.

Tracing the historic ties between both countries who had always stood by each other, especially in difficult times, the Prime Minister recalled that former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had visited the then Amir of Kuwait when the Government of Kuwait was temporarily based in Taif due to Iraq’s forcible occupation in 1990-91. This gesture of solidarity bore testament to the close and enduring ties between both countries.

In response, the Prime Minister of Kuwait reciprocated the warm sentiments and expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two brotherly nations.

The leaders also exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, energy, and export of skilled labour.

They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to working closely together for the advancement of shared goals and objectives.

While referring to the Pakistani diaspora in Kuwait, the Prime Minister thanked the Government of Kuwait for hosting a large Pakistani community who were gainfully employed and contributing to the economic development of both countries.

This was the first interaction between the two Prime Ministers since the Kuwaiti Prime Minister assumed office in April this year.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

The two dignitaries exchanged Eid greetings and prayers for the peoples of both countries. During their conversation, both leaders discussed bilateral as well as regional issues of mutual interest.

The Kazakh President expressed his delight on the Prime Minister’s election for the second time and remarked that this would help strengthen Pakistan’s political and economic situation.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of their bilateral relationship and reaffirmed shared desire to expand cooperation between both countries to its full potential, particularly in trade and investment.

The Prime Minister emphasized that enhanced connectivity between the two countries was critical for economic and trade relations and the two sides need to maintain their focus on this important dimension.

While underscoring the significance of regional cooperation, the Prime Minister said that he looked forward to his participation in the upcoming SCO Heads of State meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan on 3-4 July, 2024. The Kazakh President expressed his happiness on learning of the Prime Minister’s participation in next month’s Summit, where the invited leaders would discuss a comprehensive agenda to advance regional cooperation.

The Prime Minister also extended a cordial invitation to the President of Kazakhstan to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience, which the Kazakh President graciously accepted.