High Commissioner Azhar Mazlan hosts appreciation hi-tea in Islamabad, highlighting longstanding friendship, strategic partnership, trade, education, tourism and halal industry opportunities

ISLAMABAD, Thursday, November 12, 2026 (WNP): Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening its longstanding relations with Pakistan, expanding regional cooperation through ASEAN and exploring new avenues of economic partnership, as High Commissioner Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan hosted an appreciation hi-tea at the Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad.

The gathering, hosted jointly by the High Commissioner and his spouse, To’ Puan Amelia Amani Lee Abdullah, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, Pakistani government officials, business leaders, representatives of think tanks and friends of Malaysia.

The event was organised to acknowledge the continued friendship, support and cooperation of the High Commission’s partners and stakeholders, while providing an opportunity to renew personal and professional ties.

In his welcoming remarks, High Commissioner Azhar Mazlan said the gathering represented more than an expression of gratitude, reflecting Malaysia’s commitment to building a better world founded on peace, progress and prosperity.

He emphasised that these principles remained central to Malaysia’s foreign policy, particularly its support for peaceful coexistence, dialogue, negotiation and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

He encouraged representatives of different countries, institutions and communities to maintain constructive engagement, promote mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation despite differences in perspectives and backgrounds.

The High Commissioner expressed his appreciation to the Government and people of Pakistan for their hospitality and continued support for the Malaysian High Commission and the Malaysian community in the country.

He particularly acknowledged the cooperation extended by Pakistani government institutions, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Interior, as well as provincial authorities.

Highlighting the historical foundations of bilateral relations, Ambassador Azhar recalled Pakistan’s early recognition of Malaysia’s independence in August 1957 and the subsequent elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2019.

He also recognised the historical contributions of Pakistanis to Malaysia, including their role in the country’s development before and after independence.

He noted that the approximately 100,000-strong Pakistani community in Malaysia continued to contribute to the country’s social and economic development, serving as an important people-to-people link between the two nations.

Discussing regional cooperation, the High Commissioner highlighted the role of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad in strengthening engagement with Pakistani authorities and stakeholders.

He referred to the Committee’s recent joint courtesy call on Pakistan’s newly appointed Foreign Secretary and the anticipated maiden visit of the ASEAN Secretary-General to Pakistan later in November.

He also highlighted ASEAN’s expanding regional significance following the inclusion of Timor-Leste as its eleventh member, noting the considerable potential for closer economic engagement between the regional bloc and Pakistan.

With ASEAN representing a combined economy of approximately $4 trillion and Pakistan having a population of around 250 million, he said there was considerable scope for enhanced trade, investment and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

The High Commissioner emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional links and encouraging greater interaction between businesses, policymakers, academic institutions and other stakeholders.

Ambassador Azhar also highlighted Malaysia’s tourism, education and business opportunities under its Visit Malaysia campaign, which has been extended through 2027.

He said Malaysia welcomed approximately 42 million international visitor arrivals in 2025 and was targeting 47 million arrivals in 2026.

Acknowledging the growing interest of Pakistani travellers in Malaysia, he encouraged more visitors from Pakistan to explore the country’s diverse tourism attractions, cultural heritage and hospitality.

He also recalled his participation as chief guest at an event organised by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kuala Lumpur, describing it as an example of growing connections between the business communities of the two countries.

On educational cooperation, the High Commissioner said approximately 5,000 Pakistani students were pursuing higher education in Malaysia, placing Pakistan among the leading countries of origin for international students.

He encouraged more Pakistani students to consider Malaysia as an education destination, citing shared cultural values, similarities and the welcoming environment offered by Malaysian educational institutions.

Identifying the halal industry as another promising area of bilateral collaboration, Ambassador Azhar highlighted Malaysia’s established halal ecosystem, expertise in food technology and international experience in halal certification and product development.

He said these capabilities could complement Pakistan’s strengths in agriculture and food production, creating opportunities for joint ventures, technology exchange, investment and access to international markets.

He expressed confidence that closer cooperation in tourism, education, trade, investment and the halal industry would generate tangible benefits for both countries.

Towards the conclusion of his address, the High Commissioner acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the Malaysian High Commission’s officers and staff in organising the gathering and supporting the diplomatic, economic and cultural activities undertaken throughout the year.

Reflecting on the importance of continued engagement, he quoted Albert Einstein as saying: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

Offering his own interpretation, Ambassador Azhar emphasised that the important thing was also “not to stop engaging and having dialogue with each other.”

He encouraged guests to maintain open communication, respect differing perspectives and continue working together towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.

He concluded by extending his best wishes for peace, progress and prosperity to Pakistan, Malaysia and all countries represented at the gathering.

Following the formal remarks, guests enjoyed refreshments and interacted in an informal setting, exchanging views and renewing contacts across diplomatic, governmental and business circles.

The appreciation hi-tea underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and people-to-people connections in advancing Malaysia-Pakistan relations, while highlighting opportunities for broader cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN.

As both countries continue to build on their longstanding friendship and Strategic Partnership, enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, education, tourism and the halal industry offers further avenues for strengthening bilateral ties and promoting shared prosperity.