Pakistan and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence and security cooperation as Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Monday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Canada.

Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted Pakistan’s perspective on global peace and regional stability, underscoring the importance of cooperation and coordinated efforts to address common security challenges.

Anand appreciated Pakistan’s continued efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, as well as its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand engagement in the fields of defence and security.

The GHQ meeting followed delegation-level talks earlier in the day between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Canadian counterpart in Islamabad.

During those talks, Pakistan and Canada agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and other key sectors.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Dar described Anand’s visit as a “significant milestone” in Pakistan-Canada relations and said it would inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation.

He said Pakistan believed in active diplomacy and noted that both countries had significant potential to strengthen their longstanding relationship further.

Dar also highlighted the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Canada, describing it as a valuable asset and a key pillar of bilateral ties.

The two sides also stressed the importance of building stronger partnerships in agriculture, agri-food, manufacturing and other sectors, saying there were broad opportunities to expand economic cooperation.