Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Thursday met foreign diplomats and ministers on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

During the meetings, Ishaq Dar presented Pakistan’s stance on various political and economic issues. The talks also focused on the security situation in South Asia.

Talking to Australian Foreign Minister Senator Hon Penny Wong, Dar reaffirmed strong Pakistan-Australia ties and Islamabad’s resolve to enhance cooperation in trade, education, and people-to-people links.

Also read

Dar arrives in Kuala Lumpur to attend Asean ministerial meeting

In a “productive and forward-looking engagement,” he said that the Pakistani diaspora and cricket were a living bridge between the countries.

Both sides agreed to boost bilateral trade, currently at $1.186 billion, promote academic partnerships, and increase high-level political exchanges.

Call to strengthen Pak-Lanka ties

Talking to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed the enduring strength of Pakistan-Sri Lanka bilateral relations.

During the meeting, both ministers expressed satisfaction over the robustness of ties between the two countries and pledged to further deepen cooperation in key areas.

The discussions focused on high-level political exchanges, expanding economic partnerships, religious tourism, and educational collaboration, said a statement.

Dar emphasised the importance of promoting people-to-people contacts and sectoral cooperation, noting that the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is rooted in shared regional interests and historical bonds.

The two ministers also held in-depth discussions on regional and global developments, including recent geopolitical shifts in South Asia and beyond.

They agreed on the need to strengthen multilateral collaboration and continue supporting peace, stability, and inclusive growth across the region.

Ties with Canada on positive trajectory

During a meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, the two sides acknowledged the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and agreed to upscale and strengthen their economic and trade ties.

The deputy prime minister invited the Canadian foreign minister to visit Pakistan, which the latter accepted.