Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for expanding Pakistan’s longstanding ties with Canada as he met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Islamabad, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and other key sectors.

Welcoming Anand on her first official visit to Pakistan, the prime minister stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in trade, investment, agriculture and agri-food, vaccine manufacturing, renewable energy, and the automobile and auto parts industries.

PM Shehbaz conveyed his greetings to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and said he looked forward to meeting him soon. Recalling their telephone conversation in April, he also thanked Canada for supporting Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace.

Anand conveyed PM Carney’s best wishes to PM Shehbaz and said her visit reflected Canada’s commitment to expanding relations with Pakistan.

She said Ottawa was keen to explore new opportunities for trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, mining, energy, and the automobile and auto parts sectors.

The Canadian foreign minister said the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) would help strengthen investor confidence and encourage greater Canadian investment in Pakistan.

Both sides agreed that the Pakistani-Canadian community serves as a vital bridge between the two countries and plays an important role in strengthening bilateral ties.

Pakistan and Canada also agreed to exchange trade and mineral-sector delegations to identify mutually beneficial opportunities and boost bilateral trade and investment.

The meeting followed delegation-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Anita Anand, during which the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and other priority sectors.

Earlier in the day, Anand also called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides discussed regional security, bilateral relations and expanding defence and security cooperation, while the Canadian foreign minister acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and ongoing efforts in the fight against terrorism.