Key Takeaways
- Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of Pakistan-Canada relations.
- Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand visits Islamabad, marking first such trip in nearly two decades.
- Discussions focus on trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has underscored the significance of Pakistan’s relationship with Canada during a visit by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to Islamabad. The meeting, which took place on Monday, marked the first such trip by a Canadian foreign minister in nearly 20 years.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Dar highlighted the potential for enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade and investment, defence, and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that Pakistan has a significant diaspora in Canada, emphasizing the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
Anand echoed these sentiments during her visit, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome she received. She stated, 'This is the first visit of a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in almost 20 years. This is the 80th year or so of diplomatic relations between our countries.'
The discussions will cover the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Canada relations, focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Both ministers are expected to exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
In a statement issued by Global Affairs Canada, it was mentioned that Anand is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during her visit. The Foreign Office highlighted the importance of maintaining cordial bilateral relations anchored in close people-to-people ties enriched by the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Canada.
Dar and Anand were seen posing for pictures and shaking hands, as shared visuals from state-run PTV on social media platform X showed. These interactions are expected to translate into concrete outcomes that will further strengthen the relationship between Pakistan and Canada.
The visit underscores the shared commitment of both countries to expand mutual cooperation in various sectors. Both nations maintain cordial bilateral relations anchored in close people-to-people ties enriched by the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Canada.
We need to meet more frequently in our capitals. We have the possibility and the capability of raising our bilateral relations, in terms of trade, defence and investment; there is a huge scope.
Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
This is the first visit of a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in almost 20 years. This is the 80th year or so of diplomatic relations between our countries.
Anita Anand, Canadian Foreign Minister
