Canadian FM due today

ISLAMABAD: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will undertake an official visit to Pakistan on Monday.

According to a press release issued by the Foreign Office here Sunday, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is arriving in Islamabad on July 20 to discuss the latest situation between the United States and Iran.

She is undertaking this visit at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office said.

This will be the first visit by Minister Anand to Pakistan following her assumption of office.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister Anand will hold bilateral talks covering the entire spectrum of Pakistan–Canada relations. The discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

They will also exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The Canadian Foreign Minister will also call on the leadership of Pakistan.

During the visit, Minister Anand will also call on the leadership of Pakistan.

Pakistan and Canada maintain cordial bilateral relations anchored in close people-to-people ties enriched by the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Canada.

This visit underscores the shared commitment of both countries to expand mutual cooperation.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said that the talks between the Pakistani leadership and the Canadian foreign minister are expected to focus on the importance of restoring peace through the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Anita Anand will hold formal talks tomorrow (Monday). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other national leaders are also expected to meet the Canadian foreign minister.

Apart from the regional tensions, Pakistan and Canada are expected to discuss bilateral economic relations and mutual trade. Pakistan is also expected to discuss Canadian cooperation in the social sector with the visiting foreign minister.