ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on Sunday discussed regional security and defense cooperation with a visiting US Congressional delegation, with both sides signing a memorandum of understanding for training collaboration in the field of information technology.
The two countries share a long history of defense cooperation dating back to the Cold War, when Pakistan was a key US ally in the region. However, their relationship was subsequently marked by phases of cooperation as well as tension, including US sanctions on Pakistan at various points.
The two countries reaffirmed their partnership in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks, when the US-led forces invaded Afghanistan, but diverging strategic interests led several American analysts to describe Pakistan as a “frenemy.”
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides emphasized the importance of sustained engagement “based on mutual respect, shared values, and converging strategic interests” during the meeting.
“Discussions during the meeting encompassed a range of issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on regional security and defense cooperation,” the ISPR said.
“The visiting US lawmakers commended the Pakistan Armed Forces for their pivotal role in combating terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan’s enduring contributions to regional peace and stability,” it added.
The US delegation, led by Representative Jack Bergman along with Representatives Thomas Souzzi and Jonathan Jackson, conveyed its commitment to advancing broad-based cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the fields of security, trade, investment and economic development, while underscoring respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The army chief thanked its members for their visit and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further deepen and diversify its longstanding partnership with the US in a way that serves both countries’ national interests.
During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was also signed to formalize training cooperation in information technology.
Earlier in the day, the US delegation also met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and held discussions on counterterrorism cooperation and bilateral investment.
Pakistan and the US are expected to hold a counterterrorism dialogue in June.
The cooperation gains particular significance amid a recent surge in militant attacks in Pakistan’s western provinces bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s army chief discusses bilateral defense ties with visiting US Congressional delegation
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Pakistan’s army chief discusses bilateral defense ties with visiting US Congressional delegation
- ISPR says both sides emphasized the importance of sustained engagement ‘based on mutual respect’
- They also signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize training cooperation in the field of IT
Pakistan, Canada explore deeper trade, mining and agriculture cooperation
- The development comes as Pakistan seeks to boost trade, foreign investment to strengthen its more than $400 billion economy
- Both sides reviewed the evolving global economic landscape, underscored the need for adaptive trade strategies, Islamabad says
KARACHI: Pakistani and Canadian officials have discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade, mining and agriculture, the Pakistani commerce ministry said on Saturday, with both sides seeking to expand economic ties.
The statement came after Pakistani Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan’s meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan that focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, mining, agriculture, energy and emerging sectors.
Pakistan, which is recovering from a prolonged economic meltdown under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, has sought to boost trade, foreign investment to strengthen its more than $400 billion economy.
“During the meeting, both sides reviewed the evolving global economic landscape and underscored the need for adaptive trade strategies amid shifting supply chains and geopolitical realignments,” the Pakistani commerce ministry said in a statement.
“The federal minister emphasized Pakistan’s intent to diversify partnerships and attract quality foreign investment, particularly in value-adding and export-oriented sectors.”
A major focus of discussions was cooperation in the mining and minerals sector. Pakistan has vast mineral resources, including Reko Diq copper-gold mine, which is one of the world’s largest undeveloped mines.
The Reko Diq project, located in the Balochistan province, is also being developed by Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold in partnership with Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments.
Commerce Minister Khan highlighted Pakistan’s growing interest in developing small and medium-scale mining projects and stressed the importance of modern exploration techniques, surveying expertise and responsible mining governance.
“The Canadian high commissioner noted Canada’s global leadership in mining services and exploration technologies and expressed willingness to support Pakistan through capacity-building initiatives, technical assistance and business-to-business matchmaking,” the commerce ministry said.
“In this context, both sides discussed Pakistan’s participation in the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto, with an emphasis on linking Pakistani miners with reputable Canadian exploration companies and service providers.”
The meeting also covered agricultural cooperation, with particular reference to the recent resumption of Canadian canola exports to Pakistan, according to the statement. The two sides acknowledged the successful arrival of initial shipments and agreed to work closely on addressing regulatory and procedural bottlenecks to ensure smooth and timely imports.
“Discussions further explored potential cooperation in dairy and livestock development, including animal genetics, modern dairy farming technologies and disease-control mechanisms, aimed at enhancing productivity and quality standards in Pakistan,” the commerce ministry added.
“On the energy front, the Canadian High Commissioner raised issues related to Canadian investments in renewable energy projects in Pakistan and stressed the importance of regulatory predictability and timely approvals to sustain investor confidence. Both sides also reviewed progress on the Pakistan–Canada Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and agreed on the need to maintain momentum in negotiations to encourage greater Canadian investment.”
