Singapore Seeks Closer Economic Ties with Pakistan

Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan emphasized the need to expand economic cooperation with Pakistan during his visit to Islamabad. He stated that trade and investment between the two nations have not reached their full potential despite six decades of diplomatic relations.

Balakrishnan engaged in discussions with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and met with Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. This marks the first visit by a Singaporean foreign minister to Pakistan since 2005.

The minister acknowledged the strong political relationship between Singapore and Pakistan, noting that it should be translated into a broader economic partnership. His visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties and occurred months before Singapore assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.