52 Years of Pakistan-Malaysia Friendship

Pakistan and Malaysia enjoys exemplary fraternal bilateral relations not only at government to government level, but people to people relations are also flourishing with enhanced activities in all fields, including trade and economic, social and cultural, defence, media and sports.
This was stated by the High Commission for Pakistan in Malaysia, Lt. General (Retd) Tahir Mahmud Qazi, in his address, at a grand reception organized by the Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, last night to celebrating 52 years of successful and mutually beneficial diplomatic relationship between two countries.
The grand reception was attended in large number by high profile dignitaries, diplomats, distinguished Expatriate Pakistanis, media elites and members of civil society.
The High Commissioner said that celebrating the 52 years of friendship with Malaysia in conjunction 62nd Independence Day of Pakistan, in indeed, is a fitting acknowledgement of enhance diplomatic, business and trade activities between the two countries.
“This can be gauged from the fact that trade between the two countries have risen from US$835m in 2006 to US$1.8b in 2008 but also has a scope to increase to ten (10) billion US$ by the year 2012, the target set by the Malaysian Trade Development Authority MATRADE”. The target although looks ambitious, but is achievable specially after signing of a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries in November, 2007, he added.
On the diplomatic front, He said that Malaysia and Pakistan enjoys common membership in groups such as the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as the Developing Eight (D-8) and have supported each other on all most all issue concerning the two countries.
Earlier, National Anthems of both Pakistan and Malaysia were played.
The cake was cut to mark the event and distinguished guests and organizers were presented with gifts.
Later, His Excellency, the High Commissioner awarded cash prizes to Pakistani Malaysia students who had excelled in their educational careers. The first prize of One thousand Ringgit (Equal to Rs.24,000) was awarded to Miss. Salwa Ahmed Musani D/o Mr. Saleem Ahmed Musani on securing Nine A’s in SPM Examination Board, and being declared as best student of the year by her school. Second prize of Five Hundred (500) Ringgit (Equat to Rs.12,000) was awarded to Miss Fatima Imran D/o Mr. Imran Sajid for securing top positions consecutively in three years in class Seven, Eight and Nine.
During the sit in dinner, Malaysia’s Cultural Troupe gave a breathtaking performance followed by performance of Pakistan folk Dancers which enthralled the audience.
A blend of Malaysian Pakistani Dance performance won a standing ovation from the audience.
The other events which captivated the audience were Live performance by Malaysian and Pakistani renowned Singers, Dress Show, and Display of Pakistani Handicrafts on the sideline, and multimedia presentation.
Ms Saira Naseem, a renowned Pakistan singer who arrived from Pakistan a day earlier engrossed the audience with her melodious voice for two hours.