Pakistan, Canada Agree to Deepen Security, Trade and Strategic Cooperation

ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP): Pakistan and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral relations across a wide range of sectors, with a particular focus on trade, security cooperation, migration management and institutional collaboration, during a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand at the Ministry of Interior.

The high-level meeting reviewed the overall state of Pakistan-Canada relations and explored avenues to strengthen cooperation in trade, security and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides also discussed enhancing collaboration to combat illegal immigration, human trafficking and cybercrime, while emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to address transnational security challenges.

The two ministers exchanged views on launching training and exchange programmes for law enforcement officials to enhance professional capacity and institutional cooperation. They also agreed to expedite the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at providing a structured framework for expanding bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Regional developments and the prevailing security situation were also discussed during the meeting.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relationship with Canada and is committed to strengthening ties across all sectors. He noted that the Pakistani community in Canada continues to play a constructive and active role in contributing to the progress and prosperity of both countries, serving as an important bridge between the two nations.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that a comprehensive agreement to enhance cooperation in areas of shared interest would further strengthen bilateral relations and open new avenues for collaboration.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Pakistan, expressing her country’s desire to further deepen bilateral engagement. She stressed the need for developing a formal framework to promote sustained cooperation and facilitate greater collaboration in mutually beneficial fields.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), additional secretaries of the Ministry of Interior and other senior officials from both sides.