By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Canada agreed on Monday to strengthen bilateral relations by expanding trade, investment, clean energy cooperation and security collaboration during Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand's first official visit to Pakistan since taking office.

The commitments were outlined in a joint statement issued after talks between Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Anand in Islamabad.

The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties through greater trade and investment, stronger institutional links and expanded people-to-people exchanges, while welcoming renewed momentum in relations.

They also discussed regional developments, with Dar briefing Anand on Pakistan's mediation efforts in the ongoing regional conflict. Anand thanked Pakistan for its role in facilitating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and both sides stressed the importance of maintaining a sustainable ceasefire and implementing the agreement.

Pakistan and Canada agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and revive the Pakistan-Canada Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment to boost economic cooperation.

The ministers identified clean energy, mining and critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, emerging technologies and environmental sustainability as priority areas for future investment. They also encouraged greater business-to-business engagement and more trade delegations.

As part of the clean energy partnership, both sides welcomed regulatory approval for Canadian firm JCM Power's 240-megawatt Dhabeji Hybrid Wind-Solar Project, being developed in partnership with K-Electric, describing it as a major contribution to Pakistan's renewable energy capacity.

The two countries also signed a new protocol establishing predictable phytosanitary import conditions for Canadian canola, while agreeing to expand two-way agricultural trade in products including lentils, soybeans, cereals, rice, spices and fruit. Relevant agencies from both countries will explore technical cooperation on food safety and agricultural standards.

Recognizing Pakistan's mineral resources and Canada's expertise in responsible mining, the ministers agreed to promote investment across the mining value chain. Anand also invited Dar to attend the 2027 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference.

The ministers reaffirmed cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, and exchanged views on regional security, Afghanistan and the threat of terrorism.

Canada also pledged to continue supporting Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts through projects implemented with the United Nations, INTERPOL and other international organizations, while both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation against transnational organized crime.

Anand announced new Canadian development assistance projects focusing on education, climate resilience and health.

The joint statement highlighted the role of Canada's more than 300,000-strong Pakistani diaspora and over 9,000 Pakistani students in strengthening bilateral ties, with both sides committing to improve mobility, cultural exchanges and tourism.

Concluding the visit, the two governments said Pakistan-Canada relations had entered "a new era of opportunity" and agreed to sustain high-level engagement, with progress on bilateral cooperation to be reviewed annually.