Pakistan, Singapore Pledge Stronger Cooperation as Dar Meets Balakrishnan
Pakistan Singapore relations take centre stage as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar meets Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Islamabad.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Singaporean Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Friday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties.
The talks covered trade, investment, connectivity and skills development. Both sides also explored ways to expand business-to-business exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the ministers reviewed the longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries. Pakistan and Singapore are marking 60 years of diplomatic relations.
Focus on Trade and Bilateral Exchanges
The ministers stressed the importance of regular high-level exchanges. They also discussed opportunities to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen business links.
Both sides reviewed cooperation at multilateral forums. They also discussed Pakistan’s growing engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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The talks took place ahead of Singapore’s assumption of the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027. MoFA said the ministers discussed opportunities for further cooperation in this context.
Regional and Global Developments
Dar and Balakrishnan also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
Dar emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as essential tools for resolving disputes. He also highlighted their importance in promoting lasting peace and stability.
Singapore Foreign Minister Arrives in Islamabad
Balakrishnan arrived in Islamabad at Dar’s invitation for comprehensive talks on bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
MoFA said the ministry’s Director General for East Asia Pacific received him at the airport. Dar later welcomed his Singaporean counterpart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two ministers held bilateral and delegation-level discussions to review the full range of Pakistan-Singapore relations.
Disaster Management Cooperation
Before the visit, MoFA announced plans to exchange a memorandum of understanding on disaster management.
The agreement involves Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Singapore’s Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
The ministry also said Balakrishnan would call on Pakistan’s leadership during his visit.
Pakistan and Singapore maintain friendly relations based on mutual respect and longstanding cooperation. The visit reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening and diversifying their partnership.
