Key Takeaways
- Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand arrived in Islamabad on Monday.
- The visit marks the first trip to Pakistan since Anand assumed office.
- Discussions will focus on trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has commenced a significant diplomatic mission in Islamabad, marking her first official visit to Pakistan following her appointment. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received Anand at the Foreign Office (FO), where they posed for photographs and shook hands, as captured by state-run PTV on social media platform X.
The bilateral talks between Anand and Dar are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including trade and investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The discussions will also delve into regional and global developments that are of mutual interest to both nations. According to the FO statement, this visit underscores the shared commitment of Canada and Pakistan to expand their cooperative efforts.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) confirmed that Anand is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during her stay in Islamabad. The Canadian government highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the two countries, noting that more than 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin reside in Canada and approximately 20,000 Canadians are currently based in Pakistan.
This visit comes after recent diplomatic engagements, including the second round of negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Pakistan. In February this year, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade and investment during the sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations held in Islamabad.
The FO emphasized that Canada-Pakistan relations are deeply rooted in close people-to-people ties, enriched by the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Canada. Both countries maintain cordial bilateral relations, and this visit is seen as a significant step towards further strengthening these ties.
Following her discussions with Pakistan’s leadership, Anand will continue her tour to other parts of the country before concluding her official visit.
