ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Myanmar on Monday agreed to reinvigorate their bilateral relationship, reaffirming their commitment to deepen multi-sectoral cooperation through sustained and structured engagement after a prolonged gap in high-level exchanges.
The understanding was reached during delegation-level talks and a joint press stakeout by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Myanmar’s Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Than Swe in Islamabad.
Both sides expressed their resolve to expand cooperation in diverse areas including religious tourism, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, trade and economy, science, and academic linkages, with the aim of promoting shared prosperity.
Speaking on the occasion, Dar said the discussions were productive and comprehensive, underscoring the importance of advancing engagement towards sustained, structured and results-oriented initiatives, particularly in capacity building. He said the visit of Myanmar’s foreign minister reflected the importance both countries attached to revitalising and strengthening bilateral relations.
The deputy prime minister said Pakistan and Myanmar enjoyed cordial and friendly ties and that Pakistan greatly valued this partnership, remaining keen to enhance cooperation across a wide range of mutually beneficial fields. He stressed that all contentious issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy and highlighted the need to further deepen academic linkages.
Referring to the gap in high-level exchanges, Dar noted that the last visit from Myanmar took place in 2015, while President Asif Ali Zardari visited Myanmar in 2012. He said bilateral relations were rooted in history and mutual respect, reflected in early diplomatic exchanges following Pakistan’s independence.
Dar added that Pakistan sincerely desired peace, stability and prosperity for Myanmar and hoped that the forthcoming general elections would contribute to stability, development and inclusive governance.
Foreign Minister Than Swe thanked the government and people of Pakistan for the warm hospitality extended during his visit. He said both countries had established valuable ties soon after independence, inspired by the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Myanmar’s founder General Aung San, who worked for freedom from British rule.
He said successive governments in both countries had maintained friendly relations and noted that 2026 would mark the 77th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He expressed hope that both sides would continue to strengthen relations and benefit from expanded multi-sectoral cooperation.
Earlier, the two countries reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international peace and security. The two leaders also agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest.
