PM Shehbaz calls for expanding Pakistan-Canada cooperation in diverse fields

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to further expand the friendly ties between Pakistan and Canada.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), he was talking to Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, who called on him in Islamabad on Monday.

Islamabad : 20 July , 2026.

H.E. Ms. Anita Anand, Foreign Minister of Canada, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House, earlier today.

Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Sen. Mohammad Ishaq Dar,… pic.twitter.com/SeqbYZQo7l

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 20, 2026

Receiving the Canadian foreign minister, the prime minister said both countries should broaden cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture and agri-food, vaccine production, renewable energy, and the automobile and auto parts industries.

PM Shehbaz also extended his warm greetings and best wishes to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, expressing hope that the two leaders would meet in the near future.

Recalling their telephone conversation in April, he thanked Canada for its support of Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

Canadian FM Anita Anand expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to her and her delegation during their visit to Islamabad.

She conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Mark Carney to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and said her visit was undertaken on the instructions of the Canadian prime minister to further strengthen Canada’s engagement with Pakistan.

Highlighting Ottawa’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, Anita Anand said Canada is eager to explore fresh opportunities in trade, agriculture, mining, energy, and the automobile and auto parts sectors.

She noted that the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) would help create greater confidence among Canadian businesses interested in investing in Pakistan.

During the discussions, both sides acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani-Canadian community in fostering closer ties between the two countries.

The two delegations also agreed to exchange trade and mineral sector missions to identify mutually beneficial opportunities and promote greater bilateral trade and investment.

Following the meeting, PM Shehbaz witnessed the signing of a protocol on phytosanitary regulations covering the import of Canadian canola into Pakistan.

The document was signed on behalf of Pakistan by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, while Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand signed it for Canada.