The recent bilateral visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan has reignited interest in the evolving relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia. This diplomatic engagement, which culminated in a high-level think-tank dialogue between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia, underscores the growing importance of these bilateral relations, particularly as both countries look toward expanding their influence in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
With Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit providing the backdrop, the discussions between the ISSI and IAIS highlighted several key areas of cooperation, including trade, diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and academic collaboration. This dialogue not only reflects the long-standing ties between Pakistan and Malaysia but also serves as a stepping stone for further integration between Pakistan and the broader ASEAN community.
Historical and Cultural Diplomacy:
The historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Malaysia form a critical foundation for the bilateral relationship. As noted by Dr. Maszlee bin Malik, the former Malaysian Minister of Education and the Chairman of IAIS, these people-to-people connections predate the formation of the two states, emphasizing shared values and historical linkages that have shaped the current relationship. Cultural diplomacy, as highlighted during the ISSI-IAIS dialogue, has played a pivotal role in strengthening these ties. Through mutual respect and the exchange of cultural knowledge, Pakistan and Malaysia have developed a close bond that transcends mere economic or political interests.
This aspect of cultural diplomacy becomes increasingly relevant in today’s interconnected world, where soft power and cultural exchanges have become instrumental in shaping international relations. The dialogue between ISSI and IAIS further highlighted how these cultural and historical connections can be leveraged to address global challenges, including Islamophobia, and how these collaborations can foster peace and mutual understanding in an increasingly polarized global environment.
Pakistan-Malaysia Relations and ASEAN:
One of the significant aspects of the ISSI-IAIS dialogue was the focus on Pakistan’s growing ties with ASEAN, a region where Malaysia holds considerable influence. As Malaysia prepares to take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, this collaboration could pave the way for Pakistan to play a more active role in the Southeast Asian bloc. Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of the China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at ISSI, emphasized the role of institutions like ISSI in strengthening Pakistan’s ASEAN outreach. Initiatives like the ASEAN Corner in the ISSI Library aim to promote awareness about ASEAN and foster a deeper understanding of regional dynamics.
Pakistan’s strategic interests in ASEAN are multifaceted. On the one hand, ASEAN provides a significant economic opportunity for Pakistan, given the bloc’s collective market size and economic dynamism. The trade between Pakistan and ASEAN countries, while still in its nascent stages, holds considerable potential, especially in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. On the other hand, ASEAN presents a diplomatic platform for Pakistan to expand its influence in Southeast Asia, particularly as Islamabad seeks to diversify its foreign policy away from its traditional focus on South Asia and the Middle East.
Education, IT, and AI:
Another key takeaway from the ISSI-IAIS dialogue was the emphasis on educational and technological collaboration. Dr. Maszlee bin Malik underscored the importance of cooperation in education, particularly in emerging fields like information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI). As both Pakistan and Malaysia seek to modernize their economies and develop their human capital, collaborations in these areas could prove mutually beneficial.
In particular, Malaysia’s experience in developing a robust educational infrastructure could offer valuable insights for Pakistan as it seeks to reform its own education system. Moreover, collaborations in IT and AI align with the broader digital transformation strategies of both nations, offering opportunities to co-develop solutions that could drive innovation in various sectors, from healthcare to financial services.
These fields of collaboration also dovetail with ASEAN’s broader strategic goals. As Malaysia takes over the ASEAN chairmanship, it could leverage its close ties with Pakistan to promote more inclusive educational and technological development within the bloc. Such collaboration could not only help Pakistan integrate more deeply into ASEAN but also enhance the region’s collective ability to compete in the global digital economy.
Geopolitical Considerations:
Beyond bilateral and regional cooperation, the ISSI-IAIS dialogue also touched upon the importance of strengthening multilateral ties. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors at ISSI, emphasized the need for Pakistan and Malaysia to enhance their cooperation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Both countries share similar positions on key global issues, including the Palestinian cause, Kashmir, and the need to combat Islamophobia.
This shared diplomatic alignment provides an opportunity for Pakistan and Malaysia to work together in advocating for the rights of Muslim communities globally. Moreover, their cooperation in multilateral forums could strengthen their collective voice on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and global trade reform.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the Pakistan-Malaysia relationship offers numerous opportunities, it is not without its challenges. One of the key challenges is the relatively low level of bilateral trade between the two countries. Despite the strong political and cultural ties, trade between Pakistan and Malaysia has remained underwhelming in recent years, largely due to a lack of awareness and infrastructure to support more robust economic exchanges.
However, initiatives like the MoU between ISSI and IAIS and the ASEAN Corner in Islamabad are steps in the right direction. These initiatives aim to foster greater institutional collaboration, promote trade, and enhance people-to-people exchanges. With Malaysia set to take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, both countries have a unique opportunity to deepen their partnership and play a more active role in regional and global affairs.
Think Tank Diplomacy:
The recent dialogue between ISSI and IAIS, held against the backdrop of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan, highlights the growing importance of Pakistan-Malaysia relations and their potential for deeper integration into ASEAN. With cultural diplomacy, educational cooperation, and technological innovation forming key pillars of this partnership, both countries are well-positioned to address regional and global challenges together. As Malaysia prepares to assume ASEAN’s chairmanship, the dialogue between ISSI and IAIS marks a significant step toward a more strategic and comprehensive relationship between Pakistan and ASEAN, with Malaysia playing a pivotal role.
References:
- Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). (2024). Pakistan-Malaysia Think Tank Dialogue.
- International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS). (2024). Dialogue on Pakistan-Malaysia Relations.
- ASEAN Committee in Islamabad. (2023). Building ASEAN Awareness in Pakistan.
- Global Trade Review. (2024). Pakistan’s Growing Ties with ASEAN: Prospects and Challenges.
