Pakistan and Singapore have taken important steps to deepen their friendship through recent high-level talks. On Friday, Singaporean Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan held key meetings with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These discussions focused on expanding trade, investment, and cooperation in modern sectors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the foreign minister at the Prime Minister House. Both sides talked about boosting bilateral trade and investment. They explored opportunities in the digital economy, fintech, infrastructure, logistics, small and medium enterprises, and the services sector. The Prime Minister praised Singapore’s success in economic growth and innovation. He noted that the two countries are marking 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. Pakistan values its ties with Singapore both directly and through ASEAN. The leaders also discussed people-to-people contacts and shared views on regional and global issues. They promised continued cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Dr Balakrishnan. Dar pointed out that strong diplomatic relations should now translate into stronger economic links. He stressed the need to unlock greater trade and investment potential. Dar highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, now part of the Board of Investment, which offers a simple one-window system for investors. He appreciated Singapore’s support in training nearly 1,500 Pakistani officials. Dar also called for quick progress on skills development partnerships between Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education and Pakistan’s NAVTTC. The two sides discussed Pakistan’s growing engagement with ASEAN, especially ahead of Singapore’s chairmanship in 2027. They also exchanged views on regional peace, Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, and related international matters. Dar mentioned the possibility of restarting direct flights to make business travel easier.
Separately, Field Marshal Asim Munir met the Singaporean foreign minister at GHQ in Rawalpindi. They discussed regional security, global dynamics, and ways to improve bilateral cooperation. Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to stronger institutional links for peace and stability. Dr Balakrishnan appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged the country’s contributions to regional security.
These meetings show clear intent from both nations to build closer economic, diplomatic, and security ties for mutual benefit and lasting regional stability.
