Dar, Myanmar FM hold extensive talks to revive, strengthen bilateral ties

Islamabad (Web Desk): In a move aimed at revitalizing relations between the two countries, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held detailed talks with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Than Swe on Monday. Than Swe, who arrived in Pakistan on January 24 for a four-day official visit, is seeking to expand cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres following years of limited high-level exchanges.

During a joint press conference after the meeting, Dar described the discussions as both "extensive and constructive," emphasizing that the talks reflected the importance both nations place on reinvigorating their relationship. The hour-long meeting covered a wide range of topics, including regional peace and security. Both sides agreed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, highlighting the shared commitment to maintaining stability in the region.

LIVE: Joint Press Stekeout between the DPM/FM of Pakistan and FM of Myanmar https://t.co/rumEmduAAu

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 26, 2026

Dar also noted that the two countries conducted a comprehensive review of their cooperation in political, trade, commercial, and cultural fields, as well as people-to-people exchanges. Both sides acknowledged the significant untapped potential and agreed on the necessity for sustained, structured, and results-oriented engagement to further develop the relationship.

A key aspect of the discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in capacity-building, development initiatives, and humanitarian aid. Dar highlighted the importance of improving consular cooperation, particularly in combating cross-border criminal activities and online scams that affect both nations' citizens.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, received the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, H.E. Than Swe, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad today. pic.twitter.com/d56TPrXBO5

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 26, 2026

People-to-people contacts were a major theme of the talks, with both sides stressing the importance of academic collaboration, youth engagement, and cultural exchanges. Dar also emphasized Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage and suggested that religious tourism could be a promising avenue to deepen cultural ties and enhance connectivity between the two nations.

Following the talks, Pakistan and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations between their foreign ministries. The agreement aims to institutionalize regular dialogue and provide a formal mechanism for addressing bilateral, regional, and international issues.

Earlier, Dar formally welcomed Than Swe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recalling the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Myanmar. He noted that the last high-level visit from Myanmar occurred in 2015, while Pakistan’s most recent senior-level visit to Myanmar was in 2012. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening cooperation through practical initiatives and expressed hope that Myanmar’s political process would contribute to greater stability, development, and inclusive governance.

Than Swe, in his remarks, thanked Pakistan for the warm hospitality and reiterated Myanmar's interest in broadening both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. He also acknowledged the historical ties between the two nations, recalling their shared colonial past and Myanmar's consistent cordial relations with Pakistan since independence.

Both sides expressed confidence that the talks in Islamabad would serve as a foundation for closer cooperation in the years to come.