Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation this afternoon with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister conveyed heartfelt Eid-ul-Azha greetings to the Malaysian leader as well as the brotherly people of Malaysia.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warmly reciprocated the Eid greetings for the Prime Minister as well as the brotherly people of Pakistan. He also conveyed his special regards for former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. The Malaysian Prime Minister acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan's role in regional peace efforts and the ongoing initiatives to ensure a durable peace settlement in the region. He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant further strength and success to the Prime Minister and his team.

While thanking his Malaysian counterpart for his support, Shehbaz Sharif briefed Anwar Ibrahim on the latest developments in the peace efforts. The Prime Minister said that progress in the peace efforts could not have been possible without the contribution of brotherly countries, including Malaysia. He said it was due to the untiring diplomatic efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the active role played by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar that Pakistan had been able to move the peace process forward.

The Malaysian Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and appreciated Pakistan's peace initiative, which he said was in accordance with the ideology and vision of the Quaid-e-Azam. The two leaders also expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Lebanon as well as the deteriorating situation in Gaza.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the earliest opportunity, either in Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur or on the sidelines of any other event. The two Prime Ministers agreed to remain in close contact on developments in the region.