Justin Bieber and Malala Yousafzai: the Most Unlikely Friendship in the History of Mankind

One is a human rights activist who has earned international acclaim for her battle for women's freedom. The other is a pop star popular among pre-teen girls who has spent time in police custody.

Yet, despite the chasmic differences between them, Malala Yousafzai and Justin Bieber have struck up a highly unlikely friendship - and the singer has boasted of his new buddy by posting screengrabs of their FaceTime conversation.

In a screenshot snap posted to his Instagram page, Malala can be seen smiling at the camera while the Baby hitmaker appears in the corner. Although his face has been awkwardly cropped, his broad grin is undeniable.

"Just got to FaceTime with Malala Yousafzai," he captioned the fuzzy image." She has such an incredible story. I can't wait to meet her in person and talk about how I can support her and the @malalafund. #love."

The 17-year-old education campaigner, who previously confessed that she is a huge fan of the Biebs, first grow to international prominence in 2012 after she was unveiled as the anonymous writer behind a BBC blog, which detailed the oppression young women in Pakistan suffered at the hands of the Taliban.

In her posts, Malala expressed her desires to promote education for young girls.

After her identity was revealed, she received numerous death threats and a price was put on her head by the Taliban. On 9 October 2012, the teenager was shot by a masked assassin as she rode the bus to school.

The attack received worldwide condemnation and she was flown to the UK, where she received life-saving treatment at a Birmingham hospital specialising in military injuries.

Following her recovery, the National Youth Peace Prize launched the Malala Fund, which hopes to empower young girls through education. The schoolgirl has also spoken before the United Nations and met with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace.

Bieber is not the first star to lend his voice to her cause.

Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon recently shared a snap on Instagram after meeting the schoolgirl, who now lives in Birmingham.

"What an honor to meet and have dinner with Malala Yousafzia @malalafund", she wrote. "Thank you for your work on behalf of women everywhere #inspiringwomen #womensrights #educationforallgirls".