Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand arrives in Pakistan for official visit

WEB DESK: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will undertake an official visit to Pakistan today (Monday) on the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

The visit marks her first trip to Pakistan since assuming office. During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister Anita Anand will lead delegations in bilateral talks covering the full spectrum of Pakistan-Canada relations.

During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister Anand will hold bilateral talks covering the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Canada relations. The discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation across key areas, including trade and investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

GAC noted that Canada-Pakistan relations are underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties, with over 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin residing in Canada and approximately 20,000 Canadians living in Pakistan.

In a separate statement, the Foreign Office (FO) noted that both nations maintain cordial relations anchored in close diaspora links, adding that the visit underscores a shared commitment to expand mutual cooperation.

Bilateral engagements and regional talks

The two sides will also exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

The visit follows recent economic engagements between the two countries. Last month, Canada hosted the second round of negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Pakistan. Earlier in February, both nations emphasised enhancing trade and investment during the sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad.

Following her engagements in Pakistan, the Canadian foreign minister will depart for the Philippines to attend meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).