Dar, Singapore FM discuss promotion of bilateral cooperation in trade, investment

Balakrishnan, FM Dar discuss connectivity, skills development, review bilateral relations

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday held a meeting with Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, discussing ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity and skills development while promoting business-to-business exchanges and people-to-people contacts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.

In a statement posted on X, MoFA said the "two ministers reviewed the longstanding and friendly relations between Pakistan and Singapore as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations." It added that FM Dar and Balakrishnan also "underscored the importance of sustained high-level exchanges."

The foreign ministers "also discussed cooperation at multilateral fora and Pakistan’s enhanced engagement with ASEAN, particularly in the context of Singapore’s forthcoming Chairmanship in 2027," MoFA noted.

It added that the two exchanged views on regional and global developments, with FM Dar emphasising "the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes and advancing lasting peace and stability."

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a cordial meeting with H.E. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

The two Ministers reviewed the… pic.twitter.com/dzsRVhdZCK

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 30, 2026

Earlier, FM Dar received Balakrishnan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the two leaders set to hold a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks to review "the entire spectrum of Pakistan–Singapore relations," MoFA said.

In a statement on X, it added that the leaders would also "exchange views on regional and global developments."

H.E. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, was received by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting and… pic.twitter.com/1RlT6R49mo

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 30, 2026

Balakrishnan arrived in Islamabad for "comprehensive talks" with FM Dar "on the cooperation in bilateral and multilateral domains," MoFA said.

In a statement posted on X, MoFA noted that Balakrishnan was received at the airport by director general, East Asia Pacific, undertaking the visit on the invitation of FM Dar.

At the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar , H.E Dr. Vivian Balakirshnan Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore arrived in Islamabad today.

He was received at the airport by Director General East Asia Pacific. During the… pic.twitter.com/ns51OHdpu1

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 30, 2026

A day earlier, MoFA had announced that Balakrishnan would undertake an official visit to Islamabad. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Singapore and came ahead of Singapore’s assumption of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship in 2027.

MoFA had added that during Balakrishnan's visit, he and FM Dar would hold bilateral talks covering the full spectrum of Pakistan-Singapore relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

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"A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in disaster management between Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Singapore’s Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will also be exchanged," it added.

The ministry also noted that Balakrishnan would call on Pakistan’s leadership during his visit.

"Pakistan and Singapore maintain cordial bilateral relations based on mutual respect and longstanding friendship. The visit underscores the two countries’ shared commitment to deepening and diversifying their bilateral partnership," MoFA said.