RAWALPINDI(National Times)- Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Singapore\u2019s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Friday, where the two discussed regional security and avenues for bilateral cooperation, according to the military\u2019s media wing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the foreign minister, who is currently in the country on an official visit, called on CDF Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics and avenues for bilateral cooperation, it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBoth sides exchanged views on regional peace and stability and underscored the importance of sustained engagement and cooperation in areas of shared interest,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the meeting, CDF Munir reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Singapore, including enhancing \u201cinstitutional linkages and constructive engagement for promoting regional peace, stability and security\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Singaporean diplomat reciprocated the commitment and lauded the professionalism of Pakistan\u2019s armed forces. He acknowledged Pakistan\u2019s role in regional peace and stability, ISPR added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PM admires Singapore\u2019s \u2018remarkable economic transformation\u2019
Earlier, the foreign minister met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the premier expressed admiration for Singapore\u2019s \u201cremarkable economic transformation\u201d and achievements in innovation and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO), the premier reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding and friendly relations with Singapore, particularly as the two countries are commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe prime minister expressed admiration for Singapore\u2019s remarkable economic transformation and achievements in innovation and development. He underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with Singapore, both bilaterally and multilaterally including within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean),\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The statement said that the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment and expand cooperation in priority areas, including the digital economy, fintech, infrastructure development, logistics, small and medium enterprises and the services sector. They also discussed exploring new avenues for mutually beneficial economic cooperation and enhancing people-to-people contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral fora,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Possible resumption of direct flights discussed
The meetings came shortly after Dar discussed with the visiting diplomat the possible resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Singapore \u201cto facilitate business travel and close contact between our peoples\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar shared this while addressing a press conference alongside Balakrishnan. He began by saying that Pakistan and Singapore enjoyed longstanding and friendly ties focused on mutual respect and goodwill, and Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise Singapore following its independence in 1965.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that Balakrishnan\u2019s visit to Pakistan was the first one by a Singaporean foreign minister in over two decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am grateful that he was kind to accept my invitation,\u201d he said, adding that the trip was particularly significant as the two countries were commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe visit reflects our shared commitment to strengthen this friendship and broaden our cooperation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar said that delegation-level talks and a restricted meeting between the two sides earlier in the day focused on strengthening political and economic ties, expanding cooperation in technology and education and promoting culture and people-to-people contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe also exchanged views on key regional and international developments,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further stated that the two sides had recognised \u201cthe considerable untapped potential in our relationship\u201d and stressed the importance of sustained engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe agreed to hold regular bilateral political consultation and promote high-level exchanges to strengthen cooperation between our governments and institutions,\u201d he said, adding that economic cooperation was central to the discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said \u201cwe welcomed the significant growth\u201d in bilateral trade between the two countries and discussed ways to build on this progress further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe agreed to encourage closer engagement between our business communities through the exchange of business delegations and stronger links between our chambers of commerce,\u201d he elaborated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, Dar continued, the reopening of the Trade and Investment Office at Pakistan\u2019s High Commission in Singapore had also been discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe reopening of the Pakistan Trade and Investment Office is a testament to Pakistan\u2019s resolve to promote stronger B2B ties with our friendly country Singapore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond trade and investment, he said: \u201cWe discussed the scope for closer cooperation in education, research and innovation, including digital technologies and artificial intelligence. We also considered ways to strengthen links between our universities and research institutions. We also agreed to deepen cooperation in human resource development, agriculture and climate domains.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar noted that Pakistani professionals in Singapore contributed to its economy and society and served as a \u201cvaluable bridge between our two nations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said, \u201cWe agreed to encourage greater cultural, academic, youth and people-to-people exchanges.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, he said, \u201cWe also discussed the possible resumption of direct flights to facilitate business travel and close contact between our peoples.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pakistan\u2019s engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as the country\u2019s \u201coldest sectoral dialogue partner\u201d also came under discussion, Dar said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPakistan attaches great importance to practical cooperation with the organisation and its member states. I convey Pakistan\u2019s best wishes to Singapore as it prepares to assume the Asean chairmanship in 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe look forward to working closely with Singapore in support of its priorities as the chair and to further strengthening the Pakistan-Asean cooperation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar said the meetings in Islamabad also presented the opportunity to share perspectives on regional and international peace and the security landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe discussed the impact of regional tensions on maritime trade,\u201d he said, adding that secure sea routes and uninterrupted supply chains were essential to trade and economic stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the two sides had reaffirmed the central role of dialogue and diplomacy, respect for international law and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter in addressing regional and global challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DPM said he had conveyed to the visiting dignitary that Pakistan remained engaged with key regional and international partners to encourage continued dialogue and diplomacy as it was the \u201conly viable means to resolve outstanding challenges\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Palestine, he said, \u201cI expressed concern over the continued expansion of illegal settlements and efforts to alter the status of the West Bank and Al-Quds Al-Sharif. I stressed the urgent need for unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. I reiterated firm support for an independent, sovereign, viable, and contiguous state of Palestine based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, which is the stated policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the context of South Asia, Dar said he briefed the visiting dignitary on the importance of a \u201cjust, durable and peaceful settlement of the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He concluded his speech by saying: \u201cWe look forward to working very closely with Singapore to carry forward the understanding reached today. Pakistan and Singapore\u2019s friendship remains strong and forward-looking as we mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have committed to deepening this partnership and building a more prosperous future for our people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking after him, Balakrishnan began by saying: \u201cThis is a significant year for Singapore and Pakistan. We have never forgotten that Pakistan was one of the earliest countries to recognise Singapore\u2019s independence. And that\u2019s why we are commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the years, he said, there had been high-level exchanges between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that \u201cwe\u2019ve had opportunities for a substantive and productive exchange of views\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re in constant communication, far more than people realise \u2014 that we have a very effective partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balakrishnan continued that Pakistan and Singapore had \u201cexcellent ties\u201d at the diplomatic level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn fact, they are so good that it makes it even more obvious that actual trade relations \u2014 and looking at the numbers and the data \u2014 ought to be much higher. And that, I would say, is the first order of business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe need to facilitate greater trade and investment flows. We need to strengthen the links, especially between SMEs, between businessmen, and they need to meet, they need to know each other, they need to understand the business opportunities and the risks on both sides in Southeast Asia as well as South Asia,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balakrishnan said governments of the two countries needed to facilitate these interactions and identify new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn an increasingly uncertain global environment, including on the business side of it, I think it is all the more important for our two countries to remain open, connected and constructively engaged with each other,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two sides, he said, also discussed carbon markets, which \u201cwe think is another fertile opportunity for Singapore and Pakistan to work together\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt will be another promising avenue to attract investments into projects in Pakistan that reduce emissions while supporting sustainable development, and our officials are exploring opportunities in this area.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking about the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on disaster management between Singapore and Pakistan, he said it reflected \u201cour shared commitment to strengthen disaster preparedness and response\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disasters, he said, were not something one wished for. \u201cBut it is something which we have to prepare for and to be acutely aware that at the rate things are going, and with the progression of climate change, this is a current and clear threat. And the more we can work together and prepare together, the more resilient we will be\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, Pakistan had extensive experience in responding to large-scale natural disasters, Balakrishnan said, adding that Singapore could learn from Pakistan in how to cope with disasters and be more resilient for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThrough this MoU, we hope to explore cooperation in areas including early warning systems, the sharing of best practices, strengthening search and rescue capabilities, as well as hopefully conducting joint training and exercises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s again worth remembering that disasters do not respect boundaries, do not have passports, and again, the more we can work together, the better,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, the Singaporean foreign minister said \u201cwe welcome the opportunities to deepen cooperation between our institutes of higher learning, which includes the Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore with Pakistan\u2019s National University of Sciences and Technology\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want to emphasise that this is just the beginning. We hope to expand that list in due time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On regional and international developments, he congratulated Dar for the \u201cincredibly valuable role that Pakistan is playing\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor instance, we know there is crisis in the Gulf, and in fact, most of the energy that comes through the Gulf is actually headed to the east \u2014 South Asia, Southeast Asia, and to Northeast Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd the unique, but very constructive and valuable role that Pakistan plays is the one which we commend you for, and we wish you every success because if you succeed, it\u2019s good for all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He emphasised that international law was critical for both Pakistan and Singapore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And in the case of Singapore, he said, \u201cbecause we are an island city state and our trade volume is three times our GDP, the maritime arena is essential. And therefore, the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea 1982, which sets out the freedom of navigation and overflight, especially in straits used for international navigation as a right not by the grace of littoral powers \u2014 This is of acute importance to us, and we are very, very heartened that Pakistan stands in exactly the same position this issue with us\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that Singapore would take the chairmanship of Asean next year while Pakistan was already the chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. This, he said, would present another set of opportunities for these two regional blocs, \u201ctwo dynamic, diverse regional blocs, to look for opportunities to do together\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He then moved on to education, saying that opportunities in this area were also discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are living in an age of a new industrial revolution, AI and digital technologies, and it is essential to ensure that our young people have the relevant skills not for yesterday\u2019s jobs, but for tomorrow\u2019s jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd so, this emphasis on skills and relevant qualifications and capability and human talent development is another very important area for cooperation between Pakistan and Singapore,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Talks on enhancing trade, investment cooperation
Earlier, Dar and Balakrishnan held talks and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, the Foreign Office (FO) said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balakrishnan arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day. He called on DPM Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FO said in a statement that the two leaders reviewed the \u201clongstanding and friendly relations\u201d between Pakistan and Singapore as the two countries marked 60 years of diplomatic relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They underscored the importance of sustained high-level exchanges and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity and skills development, while promoting business-to-business exchanges and people-to-people contacts, the statement added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar and Balakrishnan also discussed cooperation at multilateral fora and Pakistan\u2019s enhanced engagement with Asean, particularly in the context of Singapore\u2019s forthcoming chairmanship of the body in 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, exchanging views on regional and global developments, Dar emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes and advancing lasting peace and stability, the statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Delegation-level talks
Later, their opening remarks from delegation-level talks between the two sides were televised, with Dar saying that the depth of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Singapore was not reflected in economic ties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said his focus had been on \u201ceconomic diplomacy\u201d after joining the Foreign Office, adding: \u201cIf we work together, [\u2026] I am sure we can reach a new level of economic relations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DPM further suggested the Board of Investment in Pakistan could work with its counterpart in Singapore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the two countries had \u201cgreat cooperation\u201d on multilateral issues and Singapore\u2019s interest in regional issues was \u201cgreatly appreciated\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou remain in touch, and we keep sharing developments with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that the two had also discussed Palestine and Kashmir issues, among other matters, in a restricted meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo I think this friendship and great cooperation will continue from our side, and I am sure you will always reciprocate, rather go a mile ahead of us,\u201d the DPM said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For his part, the Singaporean foreign minister recalled that Pakistan was one of the \u201cearly countries to recognise Singapore post independence\u201d. He pointed out that Singapore was 61 years old and was commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the FO, the delegation-level talks focused on expanding trade and investment, strengthening cooperation in agriculture and food security and enhancing connectivity to promote tourism and business exchanges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe two sides also explored collaboration in education, vocational training, disaster management and information technology. The Singaporean foreign minister highlighted the potential of carbon markets to attract green investment to Pakistan. Dar emphasised the importance of stronger institutional mechanisms and regular follow-up to advance mutually beneficial cooperation,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments. Singapore\u2019s foreign minister commended Pakistan\u2019s sustained efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy in the region and its important contributions to regional peace and stability,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBoth sides agreed to build on the positive momentum generated by the visit, ensure timely follow-up on the understandings reached, and sustain engagement to further strengthen Pakistan-Singapore relations across all areas of mutual interest,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the meeting, Dar and Balakrishnan also exchanged an MoU on cooperation in disaster management between Pakistan\u2019s National Disaster Management Authority and the Singapore Civil Defence Force in Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe MoU reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Singapore to strengthening cooperation in disaster preparedness and response and building resilience against natural disasters,\u201d the FO statement on the document\u2019s exchange said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
RAWALPINDI(National Times)- Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Singapore\u2019s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Friday, where the two discussed regional security and avenues for bilateral cooperation, according to the military\u2019s media wing. In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the foreign minister, who is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":135663,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-135662","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest_news","entry"],"yoast_head":"\n