Pakistan and Myanmar on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations, as leaders from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace, development and expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
The MoU was signed in Islamabad during a formal ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Than Shwe, the foreign minister of Myanmar.
Addressing the ceremony, Dar said relations between Pakistan and Myanmar are based on mutual respect, adding that Pakistan wants peace, development and prosperity in Myanmar and seeks to promote relations in all fields.
Delegation-level talks review bilateral relations
Earlier, delegation-level talks were held between Dar and Than Shwe. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, all aspects of bilateral relations were reviewed during the discussions.
Both sides expressed determination to promote cultural exchanges, enhance mutual cooperation, and maintain close contact on matters of mutual interest.
During the talks, Pakistan and Myanmar agreed to increase religious tourism and people-to-people contacts. The two foreign ministers also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in culture and tourism, recognizing these areas as key drivers of closer ties.
Issues related to regional and international peace and security were also discussed, the spokesperson added.
Dar highlights opportunities
Speaking at the joint press conference, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan is committed to promoting cooperation with Myanmar in areas of mutual interest. He noted that there are significant opportunities for collaboration in culture, tourism and other sectors, and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to take bilateral relations to new heights.
Myanmar expresses readiness to expand ties
The Myanmar minister described the talks with Ishaq Dar as fruitful and said his country attaches great importance to relations with Pakistan. He said cooperation in agriculture, trade and other sectors was reviewed in detail during the visit.
Than Shwe stated that Myanmar is ready to cooperate with Pakistan in various fields and will work to make bilateral contacts meaningful despite existing challenges. He also said both countries would benefit from each other’s experiences in the future.
The minister emphasized that cooperation in the tourism sector will be promoted further and vowed to continue strengthening ties between the two countries. He thanked the Pakistani leadership for the productive discussions and expressed confidence in future collaboration.
