Islamabad : Pakistan and Myanmar on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in multiple areas, with particular emphasis on religious tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. The pledge came during delegation-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Myanmar’s Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Than Swe.

The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international peace and security. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact on issues of mutual interest and to pursue practical initiatives aimed at shared prosperity.

Welcoming his counterpart, Dar said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Myanmar and values the long-standing friendship between the two nations. He noted that high-level exchanges had been limited in recent years, recalling that the last visit from Myanmar took place in 2015, while Pakistan’s last top-level visit was in 2012 when President Asif Ali Zardari travelled to Yangon.

Dar highlighted the historical roots of bilateral ties, pointing to early diplomatic exchanges after Pakistan’s independence. He stressed that Pakistan remains committed to strengthening cooperation through structured engagement and expressed hope that Myanmar’s forthcoming general elections would contribute to stability, development, and inclusive governance.

Than Swe thanked Pakistan for its hospitality and underscored the historic relationship between the two countries, recalling the roles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and General Aung San in leading their nations’ independence movements. He said successive governments had maintained friendly relations and noted that 2026 would mark the 77th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He expressed optimism that both countries would find new avenues to expand cooperation across diverse sectors.

The visit, which began on Saturday, reflects a renewed effort by both Islamabad and Naypyidaw to strengthen ties, with religious tourism and cultural exchanges seen as key areas for fostering closer people-to-people connections.