PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif have called for heightened diplomatic engagement and continued dialogue to ease regional tensions and preserve peace and stability.
Anwar said Shehbaz telephoned him to enquire about his health, as the Malaysian leader continues his recovery.
He thanked the Pakistani prime minister for his prayers and for sending flowers and fruit, while informing him that he was recovering.
The two leaders also exchanged views on developments in the region, agreeing that rising tensions must be handled carefully through dialogue and diplomacy.
“We also discussed developments in Iran–United States relations and stressed the importance of continued engagement to ease tensions.
“The Strait of Hormuz must remain open and safe to ensure the smooth flow of international trade,” Anwar said in a Facebook post on Friday night.
Turning to bilateral relations, Anwar said Malaysia and Pakistan had agreed to intensify trade and economic cooperation, with considerable untapped potential remaining between the two countries.
He said this could include expanding Pakistani meat exports to Malaysia as both governments seek to deepen commercial ties. - August 22, 2026
