Pakistan and Canada have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across several key sectors following talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Islamabad. The visit marks the first bilateral trip by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades.
During delegation-level talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides discussed the full spectrum of Pakistan-Canada relations and agreed to inject fresh momentum into their partnership. The discussions focused on enhancing political engagement, strengthening economic cooperation, and maintaining regular high-level consultations.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed Anita Anand and described the visit as an important step toward deepening diplomatic ties between the two countries. Officials said the meeting also covered regional and international developments of mutual interest, reflecting the shared commitment of Islamabad and Ottawa to remain engaged on global issues.
Anita Anand’s visit is her first official trip to Pakistan since assuming office as Canada’s foreign minister. It is also the first bilateral visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in almost 20 years, making it a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
At the conclusion of the talks, Pakistan and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in priority sectors, including agriculture, industry, trade, and investment. Both countries also agreed to explore new opportunities for economic collaboration aimed at strengthening commercial ties.
The two sides decided to institutionalize annual meetings to review progress made under their joint statement and accelerate the implementation of agreed initiatives. Officials said regular consultations would help maintain momentum and ensure closer coordination on bilateral priorities.
Speaking after the meeting, Anita Anand thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality and emphasized the importance of stronger relations between Islamabad and Ottawa. She said deeper cooperation could create new economic opportunities for both countries while contributing positively to the global economy.
The visit is being viewed as a positive development in Pakistan-Canada relations, with both governments expressing their commitment to building a stronger partnership through sustained diplomatic engagement, increased economic cooperation, and regular dialogue on regional and international matters.
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