Pakistan, Canada expand trade and security partnership with FM visit

Pakistan and Canada agreed Monday to broaden cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, agriculture and security. The two sides declared that bilateral relations have entered a "new era of opportunity" after talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Islamabad.

What did Pakistan and Canada agree on?

Pakistan and Canada pledged to strengthen economic cooperation through increased trade, investment and institutional engagement. The two countries also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPA) and revive their Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment. Both sides committed to deepening cooperation on regional security, counterterrorism and development.

What was discussed at the Pakistan-Canada talks?

The commitments were outlined in a joint statement issued after Anand's first official visit to Pakistan since taking office. The two ministers reviewed the full range of bilateral ties between the countries. Anand thanked Pakistan for its mediation efforts in the ongoing regional conflict that resulted in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Both ministers stressed the importance of maintaining a sustainable ceasefire. They reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Islamabad MoU while continuing cooperation to promote regional and global peace.

How are Pakistan and Canada expanding trade cooperation?

The two countries welcomed stronger business collaboration in renewable energy, mining, critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, emerging technologies and environmental sustainability. The ministers highlighted progress on clean energy, noting that Canadian company JCM Power's 240-megawatt Dhabeji Hybrid Wind-Solar Project, developed with K-Electric, has received regulatory approvals. The project is expected to boost Pakistan's renewable energy capacity.

Pakistan and Canada also signed a new phytosanitary protocol establishing predictable import conditions for Canadian canola. They agreed to expand two-way agricultural trade in products including lentils, soybeans, cereals, rice, spices and fruit. Both sides also agreed to increase cooperation on food safety, agricultural technology and sanitary standards.

Recognizing Pakistan's extensive mineral resources and Canada's expertise in responsible mining, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation across the mining value chain. Anand invited Dar to attend the 2027 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference. The joint statement underscored the role of the Pakistani community in Canada, which numbers more than 300,000 people, alongside more than 9,000 Pakistani students studying there.

What did Pakistan and Canada agree on security and defense?

The ministers discussed Afghanistan, terrorism and broader regional security. They agreed to deepen cooperation against terrorism and transnational organized crime. Canada announced continued support for Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts through the United Nations, INTERPOL and other international organizations.

Canada also unveiled new development assistance projects in Pakistan focused on education, climate resilience and healthcare. Both governments pledged to expand cultural exchanges, tourism, parliamentary engagement and mobility. The two ministers agreed to maintain regular high-level engagement, with progress on bilateral initiatives reviewed annually.

What happened when Anand met Pakistan's army chief?

Separately, Anand met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan's chief of army staff, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The two discussed regional security, bilateral relations and defense cooperation. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, Munir outlined Pakistan's perspective on global peace and regional stability, emphasizing the need for cooperation to address shared security challenges.

Anand praised Pakistan's efforts and sacrifices in combating terrorism and acknowledged the country's constructive role in promoting regional and global peace and stability. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding Pakistan-Canada cooperation in defense and security.