ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Canada have agreed to strengthen their bilateral partnership by expanding cooperation in key sectors and introducing annual high-level meetings to monitor progress on jointly agreed initiatives, following talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the two ministers reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Canada relations and discussed regional and global developments of shared interest. They reaffirmed their commitment to broadening cooperation and agreed to establish an annual review mechanism to oversee implementation of the Joint Statement reached between the two countries.
Welcoming his Canadian counterpart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar noted that Anand’s visit marks the first by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly 20 years. Recalling their previous interactions on the sidelines of international meetings, he stressed the importance of maintaining regular engagement through visits to each other’s capitals.
He said Pakistan sees significant opportunities to expand collaboration in areas including trade, investment, defence and security, adding that both countries possess the capacity to elevate their partnership.
Dar also highlighted the long-standing ties between Pakistan and Canada, describing them as rooted in mutual respect, democratic values, strong people-to-people connections and cooperation in bilateral and multilateral forums. He expressed optimism that the discussions would convert the renewed momentum in relations into practical outcomes and provide a roadmap for future collaboration.
Speaking during the meeting, Anand said she was pleased to visit Pakistan and looked forward to advancing efforts to revitalise bilateral relations. She noted that the two countries are commemorating around 80 years of diplomatic relations, providing an opportunity to further deepen cooperation.
The Canadian foreign minister said there is considerable potential to expand collaboration across sectors ranging from agriculture and agri-food to manufacturing and other industries. She expressed hope that the discussions would help build on recent progress and strengthen ties between the two nations.
Anand also acknowledged the contribution of nearly 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin, describing the community as an important bridge between the two countries. She added that changing global dynamics make closer cooperation between Pakistan and Canada increasingly important.
Earlier in the day, Dar formally received the Canadian foreign minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Anand is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of the deputy prime minister and foreign minister, marking her first official trip to the country since assuming office.
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