Islamabad (GNP): A grand ceremony was held in Islamabad on the occasion of Malaysia’s 69th Independence Day, and the Federal Minister of Food and Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain congratulated the Malaysian nation and government on its 69th Independence Day.
On this occasion, as the Chief guest, Federal Minister of Food and Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain and the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, Dato’ Azhar Mazlan, addressed the august gathering on the Malaysian 68th Independence Day here in a local hotel.
In the Opening Remarks by High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, Dato’ Muhammad Azhar Mazlan, said on the occasion in his address that today is Malaysia’s 69th Independence Day and this day gives the Malaysian people the determination and courage to play a due role in the development and progress of their country.
It is a great honor to welcome you all to the celebration of the *69th anniversary of Malaysia’s National Day, Hari Kebangsaan Malaysia*. I warmly thank our distinguished guests, including the Federal Minister for Board of Investment and other members of Parliament and the diplomatic community, for joining us.
Malaysia celebrates its independence on *31 August 1957*, while 16 September marks the formation of Malaysia in 1963. As a young nation, Malaysia shares a long history of friendship and cooperation with Pakistan, which gained independence 10 years earlier.
Our relationship has deep historical roots. Pakistani jurist *Justice Abdul Hamid* was among the members of the Reid Commission that helped shape Malaysia’s Constitution. In this sense, Pakistan has contributed to Malaysia’s constitutional history.
Today, more than *100,000 Pakistanis live in Malaysia*, contributing to our economy and maintaining strong links with Pakistan. Many members of the Pakistani community come from areas such as Mingora, Swat, and Buner, further strengthening the people-to-people connections between our two countries.
These historic, cultural, and people-to-people links form a strong foundation for the continued friendship and partnership between Malaysia and Pakistan.
Malaysia and Pakistan enjoy close and historic ties. In 2019, our relationship was elevated to a *Strategic Partnership*, further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
The momentum continued with high-level visits. Malaysia’s Prime Minister made his first official visit to Pakistan in 2024, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Malaysia in October 2025. These exchanges have given further impetus to bilateral relations.
Our cooperation extends to trade, business, government institutions, and regional and international issues. Last year, bilateral trade reached around *US$1.6 billion*, and I believe there is significant potential to further increase this figure.
Pakistan is an important partner for Malaysia, with its large population and young demographic. We welcome greater cooperation across all sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Education is another important area. Today, we have brought representatives from *11 Malaysian universities* to promote Malaysia as a center of educational excellence. Around 5,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in Malaysia, and we hope to see more students from both countries benefit from educational exchanges.
We are also promoting tourism and cultural cooperation. Starting tomorrow, a *Malaysian Food Festival* will be held at Zamana Restaurant, featuring Malaysian cuisine and traditional cultural performances.
I once again express my appreciation to the Government and people of Pakistan for their warm hospitality and friendship toward Malaysia.
Before concluding, I pray to Allah Almighty for continued peace, prosperity, and stronger friendship between Malaysia and Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain — Address at Malaysia National Day Ceremony said that It is a great pleasure to join you today in celebrating the *69th National Day of Malaysia*. On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, I extend my warmest congratulations to the King, Government, and brotherly people of Malaysia on this auspicious occasion.
Malaysia has made remarkable strides in national development over the decades. Its transformation into a dynamic economy, supported by industrialization, infrastructure development, investment, manufacturing, services, and technological advancement, is highly commendable.
Malaysia’s continued focus on innovation, sustainable development, political progress, and a skilled workforce reflects its dynamic national growth. Its ability to combine economic progress with social values, cultural diversity, and national unity remains a notable achievement.
Malaysia holds a special place in Pakistan’s foreign relations. Our two countries enjoy close and historic ties based on shared values, religious and cultural affinities, and a strong bond of friendship between our peoples.
Pakistan attaches great importance to further strengthening relations with Malaysia and expanding cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
Our bilateral relationship has been reinforced through regular high-level exchanges and visits, further strengthening the longstanding friendship and partnership between Pakistan and Malaysia.
Malysian artists and performing their tadation dance during celebrations marking Malaysia’s 69th National Day .
The ceremony concluded with a traditional Malaysian cultural performance and a sumptuous dinner featuring Malaysian cuisine, leaving guests with a memorable taste of the nation’s rich heritage.
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The celebration underscored the strong diplomatic and people-to-people ties that continue to flourish between Malaysia and Pakistan.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
