Islamabad: Pakistan and Canada have expressed their shared resolve to strengthen bilateral relations through increased trade and investment and people-to-people exchanges. According to Radio Pakistan, a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office in Islamabad detailed the mutual commitment of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Canadian Minister for Foreign Affairs Anita Anand to continue cooperation in addressing global challenges to promote peace and prosperity.
During the Canadian Foreign Minister's visit, Deputy Prime Minister Dar provided an update on Pakistan's efforts in mediating the ongoing regional conflict. Minister Anand expressed gratitude for Pakistan's role, which resulted in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Both nations emphasized the necessity for a sustainable ceasefire and adherence to the commitments outlined in the MoU.
Both countries acknowledged the successful 6th round of Bilateral Consultations in February 2026, highlighting the significance of this platform in advancing shared priorities and exploring strategic collaboration opportunities. They emphasized expanding cooperation through robust economic, academic, and institutional linkages.
Recognizing the contributions of over 300,000 Pakistanis and more than 9,000 Pakistani students in Canada, both Ministers stressed the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges, and improving mobility between the two countries. Progress toward a Pakistan-Canada Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement was welcomed, with both sides eager to conclude negotiations promptly. They also agreed to reinstate the Pakistan-Canada Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment.
The meeting also touched on Canadian investments in Pakistan, with discussions on diversifying business-to-business opportunities in sectors such as clean energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, and emerging technologies. The two Ministers agreed to promote increased investments in renewable energy, particularly solar, wind, and battery storage technologies.
A new protocol establishing predictable phytosanitary import conditions for Canadian canola was signed. Cooperation opportunities between Pakistan's National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority, the Environment Protection Agency, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will be explored for technical cooperation and capacity building.
With Pakistan's significant mineral potential and Canada's mining expertise, both sides agreed to boost trade and investment in the mining sector. Minister Anand invited Deputy Prime Minister Dar to attend the 2027 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference.
The Ministers expressed satisfaction with their countries' cooperation in multilateral fora, including the United Nations, and agreed to advance this collaboration. They exchanged views on Afghanistan and terrorism threats, agreeing to strengthen security collaboration in counterterrorism and transnational organized crime. Minister Anand announced Canadian support for Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts through projects implemented via the UN, INTERPOL, and other organizations.
Recognizing global challenges like climate change and poverty, Minister Anand announced development assistance projects in education, climate resilience, and health sectors.