ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Myanmar on Monday agreed to revitalise their bilateral relationship and deepen cooperation across multiple sectors through sustained and structured engagement, following a prolonged gap in high-level exchanges.
The commitment was reaffirmed during delegation-level talks and a joint press interaction between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Myanmar’s Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Than Swe.
Both sides expressed their resolve to expand collaboration in areas including religious tourism, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, trade, economy, science, and academic cooperation, aimed at promoting shared prosperity.
Speaking on the occasion, DPM Ishaq Dar termed the discussions productive and comprehensive, stressing the need for results-oriented initiatives, particularly in capacity building. He said the visit of the Myanmar foreign minister reflected the importance both countries attach to strengthening bilateral ties.
Dar noted that Pakistan and Myanmar enjoy cordial relations rooted in mutual respect and historical connections. He highlighted the importance of resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy and called for enhanced cooperation in education and academic linkages.
Referring to the gap in high-level exchanges, he said the last visit from Myanmar took place in 2015, while President Asif Ali Zardari had visited Myanmar in 2012.
Dar also expressed Pakistan’s desire for peace, stability and prosperity in Myanmar, voicing hope that the upcoming general elections would contribute to inclusive development and stability.
Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Swe thanked Pakistan for the warm hospitality and recalled the historic ties between the two countries, established soon after independence under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and General Aung San.
He said 2026 would mark the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations and expressed optimism about further strengthening cooperation across various sectors.
Earlier, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international peace and security, agreeing to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest.