MALAYSIA, PAKISTAN REAFFIRM REGIONAL COOPERATION, CONDEMN GENOCIDE IN GAZA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Pakistan have reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian assistance, and expressed their shared stand on key global issues including the situation in Gaza, Islamophobia and regional stability.

In a Joint Statement issued at the end of Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s official three-day visit to Malaysia, he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledged to strengthen cooperation in disaster management, humanitarian assistance and post-disaster recovery.

“The Leaders underscored the critical importance of regional cooperation in disaster management and risk reduction, and committed to enhancing the exchange of knowledge and best practices in humanitarian assistance, emergency response and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction,” the statement read.

The two leaders also reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation in international organisations, particularly the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Developing-8 (D-8), while expressing mutual support for each other’s initiatives and candidatures.

Both Anwar and Shehbaz strongly condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, reiterating their unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

“They also called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, an end to the blockade on Gaza, and unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance to those affected immediately,” it added.

The statement said both leaders discussed the escalating threats to peace and security in the region and underscored the importance of restraint, responsible conduct and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

“They agreed that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” the statement said.

On Afghanistan, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and emphasised the importance of continued engagement with the interim Afghan authorities to combat terrorism and prevent the use of Afghan soil against other countries.

Anwar and Shehbaz also condemned all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia and incitement to violence, and urged the international community to take concerted action to combat intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief.

Both leaders welcomed the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolutions 76/254 and 78/264, which reaffirmed the significance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, and the appointment of Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé of Spain as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

“They expressed their support for his mandate as part of collective international efforts to counter intolerance and promote peaceful coexistence,” the statement said.

Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 and expressed confidence in Malaysia’s leadership in steering ASEAN towards deeper regional integration, peace and prosperity.

“Both Leaders welcomed the progress made in implementing the ASEAN-Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue," added the statement.

-- BERNAMA