67th ‘Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka’ in Islamabad – Both Sides Express Eagerness to Enhance Cooperation in all Secotrs

TAZEEN AKHTAR

with Raja Ghulam Fareed on camera

Pakistan and Malaysia have renewed their mutual resolve to strengthen bilateral cooperation at every level on the auspicious occasion of 67th ‘Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka’– 67th Independence Day that is celebrated on the 31st of August. Mr. & Mrs. H.E Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan hosted a grand reception to mark the day in Islamabad at Serena Hotels on 03 Sep 2024.

Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori,Additional Secretary of Asia Pacific, MOFA, Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Secretary Ministry of Information Ambreen Jan, Director General Raeesa Adil,  Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad ISSI, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, DG Institute of Regional Studies were present.

‘Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka’- 67th Independence Day – Message of Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan

From diplomatic community,Dean of Diplomatic Corp, Amb Turkmenistan, H.E Atadjan Movlomov, Chairman ASEAN Committee Islamabad, H.C Brunei, Col Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah Bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad, Ambassadors of Algeria, Bangladesh,Rwanda, Ethiopia,Viet Nam, Philippines, Myanmar, Maldives, Turkiye, Jordon, Uzbekistan,Palestine, Portugal, Poland, DHM India, Indonesia, Tunisia,Sri Lanka, diplomats from Republic of Korea, Romania and many other prominent figures from diplomatic, government, armed forces, business community and media sector were also present.

H.E Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, in his welcome address, shed light on the history of the day. He shared, “Malaysians from all walks of life – regardless of race, religion, or political belief unite to celebrate the National Day, marking the moment when our beloved nation gained independence on this very day in 1957.”

History : The evening before that historic day, Malaysians stood united at the Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur, witnessing the lowering of the British Union Jack and the hoisting of our flag – Jalur Gemilang. The following morning, in a moment that has been etched in the annals of history, thousands gathered at Merdeka Stadium, where the Duke of Gloucester, representing Her Majesty the Queen, handed a symbol of independence to our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. It was here that Tunku, with the strength of timbre accompanied by the people’s spirit, declared “Merdeka” seven times, marking the dawn of a new era for Malaya.

The host High Commissioner noted the significant strides Malaysia has made in building a resilient and dynamic economy. He said, ” Our country has grown into a key player in the global market, with a diversified economy that spans sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and services. This economic progress is not only a reflection of our nation’s hard work and determination but also a crucial foundation for our future aspirations.”

H.E Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan is always optimistic regarding strategic partnership with Pakistan that he said, held immense potential. He said, Malaysia and Pakistan are committed to further strengthening our brotherly ties, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and technological collaboration.

“YAB Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming visit to Pakistan underscores the importance we place on this relationship. This visit is expected to elevate our partnership to the next level, fostering greater cooperation for mutual benefit between our nations. A high-level Malaysian trade delegation is set to visit Pakistan next month, furthering economic collaboration, H.C concluded.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan, emphasized the enduring bond between Pakistan and Malaysia, highlighting their shared values and growing economic ties. He expressed warm congratulations from the government and people of Pakistan to Malaysia.

He praised Malaysia’s remarkable journey since independence, noting its economic success, cultural harmony, and commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice. “Malaysia’s progress is a testament to the power of diversity and forward-thinking vision,” he remarked.

Pak -Malaysia Prime Ministers Discuss Avenues of Cooperation – Meeting of Joint Commission Soon

Jam Jamal Khan emphasized the strong friendship between Pakistan and Malaysia, rooted in mutual respect and shared values such as faith and fraternity. He highlighted the positive trajectory of trade relations between the two countries, acknowledging steady growth over the years. However,  pointed out that there is still vast untapped potential for further collaboration, particularly in sectors like information technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and halal products.

Jam Kamal Khan also called for increased Malaysian investments in Pakistan’s infrastructure, energy, and tourism sectors, stressing the need to leverage the strengths of both nations for mutual benefit. He praised the recent economic reforms undertaken by both countries, which he said create fertile ground for private sector collaboration and global competitiveness.

The Minister expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to explore opportunities for cooperation with Malaysia on regional and global platforms, such as ASEAN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He underlined the importance of working together on issues like digital transformation, sustainable development, and climate change.

As the evening concluded, the Malaysian High Commissioner expressed gratitude to Minister Jam Kamal Khan for his participation, reiterating the importance of strengthening the brotherly ties between the two countries.  Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Malaysia, expressing confidence in the continued growth of relations between the two nations.

The event was a celebration not only of Malaysia’s independence but also of the enduring and evolving friendship between Pakistan and Malaysia. The event marked by speeches, cultural performances, and a cake-cutting ceremony.The ceremony included a traditional Malaysian dance performance, which added to the cultural exchange between the two nations.

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