ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, and disaster management, as well as fostering people-to-people connections. This shared commitment was articulated during a joint press conference held by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the longstanding and cordial relations between the two countries, rooted in mutual respect and goodwill. He noted that Pakistan was among the first to recognize Singapore following its independence in 1965. The visit of Dr. Balakrishnan, he stated, underscores a mutual dedication to bolstering friendship and expanding cooperation.

Both nations agreed to regular political consultations and high-level exchanges to reinforce governmental and institutional ties. Economic collaboration was a key topic, with both parties welcoming the growth in bilateral trade and exploring avenues to further this progress.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar emphasized the importance of business community engagement through delegation exchanges and stronger links between Chambers of Commerce, supported by the reopening of Pakistan’s Trade Investment Office in Singapore. Discussions also covered potential collaboration in education, research, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence.

The talks extended to human resource development, agriculture, and climate, along with cultural and academic exchanges. Pakistan expressed interest in aligning with Singapore’s ASEAN priorities and strengthening regional cooperation.

On broader regional issues, both parties reiterated the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law. Pakistan’s stance on Palestine and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was also discussed, with reaffirmation of support for resolutions based on UN Security Council mandates.

Dr. Balakrishnan stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation in business, trade, and cultural exchanges, acknowledging Pakistan’s mediatory role in Middle Eastern conflicts. The session concluded with an exchange of documents formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding on disaster management cooperation.