Pakistan and Myanmar on Monday (January 26) agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including economy, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, and cultural exchanges, as the two countries seek to revitalize ties amid shifting regional dynamics.

The understanding was reached during talks in Islamabad between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Than Swe, who is on a rare four-day official visit to Pakistan. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in both government-to-government engagement and people-to-people contacts.

 Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Than Swe, at the diplomatic meeting 

According to Anadolu Agency, the two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international peace and security, agreeing to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest. The report noted that Islamabad and Naypyidaw emphasized religious tourism and cultural exchanges as potential drivers of closer relations, alongside efforts to promote shared economic prosperity.

Addressing a joint press stakeout, Dar said Pakistan and Myanmar have “great potential” to expand collaboration in trade, business, agriculture, culture, and people-to-people links. Referring to several revered Buddhist heritage sites located in Pakistan, he highlighted the scope for enhancing both religious and conventional tourism between the two countries.

Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Than Swe, in turn, invited Pakistani business leaders to explore investment opportunities, citing Myanmar’s business-friendly policies and untapped economic potential. He expressed hope that greater private-sector engagement would help narrow the trade gap between the two nations.

During the visit, the two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation between their respective foreign ministries. Currently, bilateral trade stands at approximately $70 million, with a notable imbalance in Myanmar’s favor.

Pakistan and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in 1947 following their independence, and both countries have maintained embassies in each other’s capitals since 1988. The last high-level visit from Myanmar to Pakistan occurred in January 2022, when Deputy Foreign Minister U Maung Myint traveled to Islamabad.

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