ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Canada on Monday agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and institutionalise regular high-level dialogue during talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand, who is on her first official visit to Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar welcomed Anand at the Foreign Office, where the two leaders held delegation-level talks covering the full spectrum of Pakistan-Canada relations.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, people-to-people exchanges and other areas of mutual interest, while both sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Anita Anand @AnitaAnandMP, today in Islamabad.
The two sides reviewed recent developments in Pakistan–Canada bilateral relations and exchanged views… pic.twitter.com/0nb5L4UBXZ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 20, 2026
According to the Foreign Office, both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the mutually beneficial partnership and agreed to expand cooperation in priority sectors.
They also decided to institutionalise bilateral engagement through annual ministerial meetings to review progress on an agreed Joint Statement.
Anand is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. During her stay, she is also scheduled to call on Pakistan’s leadership to discuss matters of bilateral and regional importance.
The Canadian government described the visit as a significant milestone, noting that it is the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly 20 years.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 welcomed Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Anita Anand @AnitaAnandMP, upon her arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad today.
The two leaders are holding talks on the full… pic.twitter.com/JI4LrfwEdU
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 20, 2026
It said the visit reflects Canada’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region and enhancing ties with Pakistan.
Pakistan and Canada maintain cordial relations supported by strong people-to-people links. According to the Canadian government, more than 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin live in Canada, while around 20,000 Canadian citizens reside in Pakistan.
Economic cooperation has also continued to grow. The Canadian government said bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2025, including $499.7 million in Canadian exports to Pakistan, up 65% from 2024, and $696 million in imports from Pakistan.
It also noted that Canada hosted the second round of negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) with Pakistan in June 2026, underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties.
The visit is expected to further reinforce Pakistan-Canada relations and open new avenues for cooperation through sustained diplomatic engagement and regular high-level consultations.
