Pakistan and Canada Discuss Ways to Enhance and Develop Bilateral Relations

Islamabad, July 20 (KUNA) -- Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar held talks today, Monday, with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on ways to enhance and develop bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as on regional and international developments. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the talks took place during Anand’s visit to the ministry’s headquarters in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. The statement noted that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to strengthen the existing mutually beneficial bilateral partnership, as well as to expand cooperation in priority sectors. They also agreed to hold annual meetings to monitor progress in implementing the agreed-upon joint statement. The statement added that “Pakistan and Canada are linked by friendly bilateral relations rooted in close ties between the peoples, which are further enriched by the active Pakistani community in Canada.” It is worth noting that this visit marks the first time the Canadian Foreign Minister has visited Pakistan since assuming office, and the first bilateral visit by a Canadian foreign minister in nearly two decades. During her visit, Anand is scheduled to meet with Pakistani leadership. (End) S.B.K. / N.A.A.