ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada, paid an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on July 20, 2026. This visit marked Foreign Minister Anand’s first diplomatic mission to Pakistan since assuming her current office.

Bilateral Engagement and Strategic Dialogue

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister received Foreign Minister Anand at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a formal one-on-one meeting and detailed talks covering the broad contours of Pakistan-Canada bilateral ties. Acknowledging the renewed momentum in bilateral engagement, both sides expressed a shared resolve to strengthen the partnership through increased trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, a goal further supported by high-level visits like the Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand Meets Army Chief Asim Munir discussions.

Mediation and Global Security

Minister Dar provided an update on Pakistan’s mediation efforts regarding the ongoing regional conflict. Foreign Minister Anand expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role, which led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Both nations underscored the necessity of a sustainable ceasefire and reaffirmed their commitment to global peace, security, and the upholding of international mandates.

Economic Cooperation and Investment

The Ministers highlighted trade and investment as the primary drivers of economic resilience. They welcomed progress toward a Pakistan-Canada Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPA) and agreed to revive the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment. Business-to-business opportunities in clean energy, mining, infrastructure, and emerging technologies remain central to this agenda. Furthermore, the two nations have made strides in specific agricultural sectors, notably as seen in the recent Pakistan and Canada Finalize Phytosanitary Protocol for Canola Imports.

Energy and Agricultural Development

Recognizing the importance of energy security, the delegations encouraged investments in renewables, including solar and wind projects. Notably, the JCM Power bid for the 240 MW Dhabeji Hybrid Wind-Solar Project has received official regulatory approval. In the agricultural sector, both sides signed a new protocol for phytosanitary import conditions, ensuring improved market access for canola, oilseeds, and other commodities.

Critical Minerals and Regional Security

Both nations recognized the strategic importance of critical minerals. Canada, leveraging its expertise in responsible mining, plans to collaborate with Pakistan to explore the nation’s mineral potential. Minister Anand formally invited Senator Dar to the 2027 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference. On the security front, the ministers discussed counterterrorism and the combatting of transnational organized crime, with Canada pledging continued support through UN and INTERPOL frameworks. These security priorities complement the broader Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand Discusses Security with Mohsin Naqvi dialogues.

Future Outlook and Diaspora Contributions

Celebrating the 300,000-strong Pakistani diaspora in Canada and the presence of over 9,000 students, the Ministers committed to enhancing educational and cultural links. Minister Anand also announced new development assistance projects focused on health, climate resilience, and education. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain sustained high-level exchanges to review annual progress.