CDF Munir, Singapore's FM discuss regional security and bilateral cooperation

AI Summary

Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir and Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan discussed regional security and stronger bilateral cooperation during the minister’s visit to Rawalpindi. Meetings with Pakistan’s prime minister also covered trade, investment, digital economy, infrastructure, logistics, and the possible resumption of direct flights.

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Friday, where the two discussed regional security and avenues for bilateral cooperation, according to the military’s media wing. In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the foreign minister, who is currently in the country on an official visit, called on CDF Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics and avenues for bilateral cooperation, it said. “Both sides exchanged views on regional peace and stability and underscored the importance of sustained engagement and cooperation in areas of shared interest,” the statement read. During the meeting, CDF Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Singapore, including enhancing “institutional linkages and constructive engagement for promoting regional peace, stability and security”. The Singaporean diplomat reciprocated the commitment and lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces. He acknowledged Pakistan’s role in regional peace and stability, ISPR added. PM admires Singapore’s ‘remarkable economic transformation’ Earlier, the foreign minister met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the premier expressed admiration for Singapore’s “remarkable economic transformation” and achievements in innovation and development. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding and friendly relations with Singapore, particularly as the two countries are commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. “The prime minister expressed admiration for Singapore’s remarkable economic transformation and achievements in innovation and development. He underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with Singapore, both bilaterally and multilaterally including within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean),” it said. The statement said that the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment and expand cooperation in priority areas, including the digital economy, fintech, infrastructure development, logistics, small and medium enterprises and the services sector. They also discussed exploring new avenues for mutually beneficial economic cooperation and enhancing people-to-people contacts. “The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral fora,” it said. Possible resumption of direct flights discussed The meetings came shortly after Dar discussed with the visiting diplomat the possible resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Singapore “to facilitate business travel and close contact between our peoples”. Dar shared this while addressing a press conference alongside Balakrishnan. He began by saying that Pakistan and Singapore enjoyed longstanding and friendly ties focused on mutual respect and goodwill, and Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise Singapore following its independence in 1965. He noted that Balakrishnan’s visit to Pakistan was the first one by a Singaporean foreign minister in over two decades. “I am grateful that he was kind to accept my invitation,” he said, adding that the trip was particularly significant as the two countries were commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. “The visit reflects our shared commitment to strengthen this friendship and broaden our cooperation.” Dar said that delegation-level talks and a restricted meeting between the two sides earlier in the day focused on strengthening political and economic ties, expanding cooperation in technology and education and promoting culture and people-to-people contact. “We also exchanged views on key regional and international developments,” he added. He further stated that the two sides had recognised “the considerable untapped potential in our relationship” and stressed the importance of sustained engagement. “We agreed to hold regular bilateral political consultation and promote high-level exchanges to strengthen cooperation between our governments and institutions,” he said, adding that economic cooperation was central to the discussions. He said “we welcomed the significant growth” in bilateral trade between the two countries and discussed ways to build on this progress further. “We agreed to encourage closer engagement between our business communities through the exchange of business delegations and stronger links between our chambers of commerce,” he elaborated. Moreover, Dar continued, the reopening of the Trade and Investment Office at Pakistan’s High Commission in Singapore had also been discus