ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and his Burmese counterpart, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar H.E. Than Swe, held what both sides described as “very productive and comprehensive” discussions in Islamabad on Monday, as Pakistan and Myanmar seek to revitalise bilateral relations.
Foreign Minister Than Swe arrived in Islamabad late on January 24 on a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Addressing a joint press conference following delegation-level talks, FM Dar said, “Our discussions were very productive and comprehensive,” noting that the meeting lasted over an hour and covered the “full spectrum of bilateral relations”.
He said the Burmese foreign minister’s visit reflected the “importance that both countries attach to revitalising and strengthening Pakistan-Myanmar relationship”. Dar added that both sides exchanged views on regional peace and security and agreed that all issues should be resolved “through dialogue and diplomacy”.
Highlighting historic bonds between the two countries, Dar said, “Building on this positive foundation, we agreed to work closely to expand cooperation in all party areas.” He noted that a comprehensive review was undertaken of bilateral cooperation in political, commercial, trade and cultural fields, as well as people-to-people exchanges.
“Both sides noted the significant untapped potential for cooperation and underscored the importance of advancing engagement through sustained, structured and results-oriented initiatives,” he added.
The foreign minister said Pakistan and Myanmar agreed to enhance cooperation in capacity-building, development and humanitarian sectors, and to strengthen bilateral coordination to facilitate consular assistance to each other’s nationals, particularly victims of scamming gangs. He said the two sides would maintain close coordination through relevant channels to ensure collective cooperation.
Dar further emphasised the need to intensify people-to-people exchanges, including academic linkages, youth engagement and cultural initiatives. He also briefed the visiting dignitary on Pakistan’s “rich Buddhist heritage and highlighted the potential of religious tourism as a means to strengthen cultural ties and promote greater connectivity between our people”.
“Pakistan supports a peaceful, stable and prosperous Myanmar. We are confident that Myanmar can play a very positive role in creating regional reconciliation, shared prosperity and development for all,” he said.
Following the talks, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations between the foreign offices of Pakistan and Myanmar. Dar said the agreement would serve as an institutional mechanism to facilitate regular engagement and sustained dialogue on bilateral, regional and international issues.
Earlier in the day, Dar formally welcomed Than Swe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he recalled the longstanding friendship between the two countries and noted a gap in high-level exchanges, with the last visit from Myanmar’s leadership taking place in 2015 and Pakistan’s last presidential visit in 2012.
“Pakistan remains committed to further strengthening our bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest through sustained, structured engagement and practical, result-oriented initiatives,” Dar said, adding that Pakistan sincerely desires peace, stability and prosperity for Myanmar and hopes the recently concluded general elections will contribute to stability, development and inclusive governance.
On his part, FM Than Swe said he was “delighted” to visit Islamabad and thanked Pakistan for the “valuable invitation and hospitality”. Expressing Myanmar’s desire to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation, he said, “Before I left my country, I met with many ministers to seek opportunities on how to work together […] They have a keen interest.”
“We do believe that this meeting will pave the way for our future cooperation,” he added.
Than Swe also recalled shared history between the two nations, noting that Pakistan and Myanmar remained part of “one country under the British colony for more than one century” and jointly fought for independence. He said that since then, successive governments of Myanmar have maintained cordial and friendly relations with Pakistan.
