FM Anand visit: Canada appreciates Pakistan fight against terrorism, role in global peace

ISLAMABAD: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Monday called on Pakistan Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) and appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, as well as its constructive role in promoting peace and stability, the military media said.

According to a statement by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Canada were discussed.

CDF Munir highlighted Pakistan's perspective on global peace and regional stability, underscoring the importance of cooperation and collaborative efforts to address common security challenges, the statement said.

“The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, as well as its constructive role in promoting peace and stability. Both sides reiterated their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand engagements in defense and security,” it added.

Anand arrived in Islamabad on an official visit on Monday morning, when she was received by her Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar. The two later met at the Foreign Office.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Canadian foreign minister, with the latter expressing her government's keen desire to explore new opportunities for trade and cooperation, especially in agriculture, mining, and energy, as well as in the auto and auto parts industry, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

PM Sharif said that the two countries enjoyed friendly ties that needed to be further expanded, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, agriculture (including agri-foods and vaccine manufacturing), renewable energy, and the automobile and auto parts industry, according to the statement. 

FM Dar, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Syed Tauqir Shah, and other senior government officials were also present, the statement added.

PM Sharif conveyed his greetings and best wishes to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and said that he looked forward to meeting him soon. 

“He fondly recalled the telephone conversation with his Canadian counterpart in April, and thanked Canada for supporting Pakistan’s regional peace efforts,” read the statement.

FM Anand thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome accorded to her and her delegation in Islamabad. 

“She conveyed the good wishes of Prime Minister Carney for the prime minister and said that her visit was on the instructions of her prime minister to expand Canada’s relations with Pakistan,” it added. 

On the bilateral front, the Canadian foreign minister expressed the keen desire of her government to explore new opportunities for trade and cooperation, especially in the field of agriculture, mining, energy as well as in the auto and auto parts industry, it said.

“In this regard, she said the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) would be instrumental in enhancing Canadian investors’ confidence to invest in Pakistan. Both sides agreed that the Pakistani Canadian community was acting as a vital bridge between the two nations,” the statement said.

The two sides also agreed to exchange delegations in the fields of trade and minerals cooperation, to explore mutually beneficial opportunities, with a view to further enhance bilateral trade and investment prospects, it added.

After the meeting, PM Sharif witnessed the signing of a Protocol on Phyto-sanitary regulations governing the import of Canola from Canada to Pakistan. 

The protocol was signed by the deputy prime minister and the Canadian foreign minister from their respective sides.

‘Strong ties’

Earlier today, speaking at a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart in Islamabad, Dar said Anand’s visit reflects the shared resolve of both countries to further deepen their longstanding and multi-faceted relationship.

Later, the two foreign ministers also held delegation-level meetings.

Dar noted that Pakistan and Canada enjoy strong ties based on historical connections, vibrant people-to-people contacts, and the valuable contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in Canada.

The Pakistani foreign minister said economic cooperation remains a key pillar of bilateral relations. 

He said both sides held detailed discussions on expanding trade and investment, enhancing business-to-business linkages, and increasing collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Dar invited greater Canadian investment in Pakistan’s priority sectors, including education, energy, mining and critical minerals, agriculture, infrastructure, and information technology.

He said the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. 

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement through enhanced institutional cooperation, regular bilateral consultations, and closer coordination between relevant ministries and stakeholders.

Dar also announced that Pakistan and Canada will sign a new protocol governing import conditions for Canadian canola, further strengthening bilateral trade cooperation.

Indus Waters Treaty

Dar said he and Anand also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in Afghanistan and counterterrorism cooperation.

Dar said he raised the issue of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, noting it remained “one of the long-outstanding unresolved international disputes” and had been on the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) agenda since 1948.

Pakistan's foreign minister highlighted that India has “added a new dynamic into an already volatile security situation” by announcing in April 2025 that it would hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.

“We seek the support of our friendly countries, including Canada, towards India’s immediate restoration of the IWT, ending the weaponization of water and upholding international law and treaty obligations as per international law and practices,” Dar said.

Concluding his remarks, FM Dar said Pakistan “appreciates Canada’s constructive engagement and looks forward to further deepening our bilateral relationship based on mutual respect, shared interest and common desire to promote peace, stability and prosperity.”