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Pakistan, Myanmar Agree to Revitalise Ties as Ishaq Dar Holds Talks with FM Than Swe
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Myanmar’s FM Than Swe held comprehensive talks in Islamabad, agreeing to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, security, tourism and diplomacy, and signed an MoU on political consultations.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-26
Pakistan, Myanmar Agree to Revitalise Ties as Ishaq Dar Holds Talks with FM Than Swe

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Burmese counterpart Than Swe held what were described as “very productive and comprehensive” discussions in Islamabad on Monday, as Pakistan and Myanmar seek to revitalise and strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors.

Than Swe arrived in Islamabad on a four-day official visit on January 24, aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Addressing a joint press conference after their meeting, Dar said the discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, commercial, trade, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

“Our discussions were very productive and comprehensive,” Dar said, adding that the visit reflected the importance both nations attach to revitalising their relationship.

He noted that both sides exchanged views on regional peace and security and agreed that issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Emphasising historic bonds between Pakistan and Myanmar, Dar said the two countries agreed to work closely to expand cooperation in all priority areas.

The foreign minister said both sides undertook a comprehensive review of cooperation in political, economic and cultural sectors and highlighted the significant untapped potential for further collaboration. They agreed to enhance cooperation in capacity-building, development and humanitarian assistance.

Dar also said Pakistan and Myanmar would strengthen consular cooperation, particularly to assist nationals who have fallen victim to scamming gangs. He stressed the importance of intensifying people-to-people exchanges through academic linkages, youth engagement and cultural initiatives.

The deputy prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage and pointed out the potential for religious tourism to strengthen cultural ties and connectivity between the two nations.

Following the talks, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations between their foreign offices. Dar said the MoU would serve as an institutional mechanism to facilitate regular engagement on bilateral, regional and international issues.

Speaking on the occasion, Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Than Swe said Pakistan and Myanmar had historically enjoyed friendly relations and that the discussions were open and fruitful.

Highlighting Myanmar’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, he invited Pakistani investors and business leaders to explore opportunities in his country. “We are at the centre of one of the biggest markets in the world,” he said, urging greater cooperation in trade, investment, military, cultural and scientific sectors.

Than Swe also expressed interest in signing MoUs to promote trade and investment and emphasised facilitating the business community of both countries. He noted that both nations possessed rich heritage and strong tourism potential.

Referring to historical ties, he recalled interactions between Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Myanmar’s founder General Aung San at the time of independence.

While acknowledging challenges faced by Myanmar, he assured that foreign nationals had not been harmed in recent years and encouraged Pakistanis to visit and explore economic opportunities.

Earlier, Dar welcomed Than Swe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and noted that high-level exchanges between the two countries had seen a gap in recent years. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through structured and result-oriented engagement.

Dar also expressed Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in Myanmar, adding that Islamabad hoped the country’s recent general elections would contribute to development and inclusive governance.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation rooted in historical ties and mutual respect, expressing optimism that the visit would pave the way for stronger future relations.
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