Manzar Naqvi
KARACHI: Pakistan and Myanmar on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to expand bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, with particular emphasis on religious tourism, people-to-people contacts, and cultural exchanges, aiming to promote shared prosperity and mutual understanding.
The resolve was expressed during delegation-level talks held here between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Myanmar’s Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Than Swe. The meeting underscored the growing importance both countries attach to strengthening diplomatic engagement and exploring new avenues of cooperation.
According to officials, the two sides reviewed the full gamut of bilateral relations and agreed on the need to further enhance collaboration in areas that bring tangible benefits to their peoples. Religious tourism emerged as a key area of focus, with both countries recognizing the potential of faith-based travel to foster inter-cultural harmony while contributing to economic growth. Pakistan and Myanmar host religious and heritage sites of global significance, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across regions.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges through educational links, cultural programs, and academic collaboration. Such initiatives, they agreed, would help deepen mutual understanding, build long-term goodwill, and strengthen the foundations of bilateral ties beyond official diplomacy.
During the talks, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on regional and international peace and security, reiterating their shared commitment to dialogue and cooperation in addressing common challenges. They highlighted the importance of maintaining stability in their respective regions and stressed that peaceful cooperation remains essential for sustainable development and prosperity.
Both sides noted that enhanced cultural engagement and tourism cooperation could also serve as a catalyst for expanding economic and trade relations. By encouraging greater interaction between business communities and facilitating travel and connectivity, Pakistan and Myanmar aim to unlock new opportunities for investment and commercial partnerships.
The meeting concluded with an understanding to maintain regular high-level contacts and institutionalize mechanisms to translate agreed initiatives into concrete outcomes. Officials expressed optimism that the renewed focus on cultural diplomacy and religious tourism would open a new chapter in Pakistan-Myanmar relations, strengthening ties between the two countries and contributing positively to regional cooperation and peace.
