Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Myanmar Foreign Minister U Than Swe sign MoU on political consultations to enhance Pakistan Myanmar relations.
Islamabad – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held productive talks with Myanmar’s Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Monday, 26 January 2026. The Ishaq Dar Than Swe meeting focused on revitalising Pakistan Myanmar relations, with both sides agreeing to expand cooperation across trade, investment, culture, and security.
The discussions marked a significant step in Pakistan Myanmar bilateral talks, coming after Myanmar Foreign Minister U Than Swe’s arrival in Islamabad on Friday, 24 January 2026, for a four-day official visit. The two ministers reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional peace and security. They reaffirmed commitment to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
Ishaq Dar Than Swe Meeting: Comprehensive Discussions
The delegation-level talks covered political, commercial, trade, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides highlighted untapped potential for cooperation and stressed the need for sustained, structured, and results-oriented initiatives.
Senator Ishaq Dar described the discussions as “very productive and comprehensive.” He said: “The Burmese FM’s visit reflected the importance that both countries attach to revitalising and strengthening Pakistan-Myanmar relationship.” He added: “We also exchanged views on regional peace and security and agreed that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.”
U Than Swe noted: “We had many, many good and fruitful discussions, very openly and frankly.” He invited Pakistani investors and business people to explore opportunities in Myanmar, stating: “We are the centre of the biggest market of the world. That’s why we would like to invite Pakistani investors and business people to come, see and study the opportunity for cooperation between the two countries.”
The ministers discussed consular assistance for nationals, particularly victims of scamming gangs. They agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in this area. Topics also included capacity-building, development, humanitarian assistance, academic linkages, youth engagement, and cultural initiatives.
Myanmar FM Visit Islamabad: Key Outcomes
During the Myanmar FM visit Islamabad, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations between the foreign offices. This institutional mechanism will facilitate regular engagement and sustained dialogue on bilateral, regional, and international issues.
Senator Ishaq Dar said the MoU would build on the positive foundation of the talks. He added: “Both sides noted the significant untapped potential for cooperation and underscored the importance of advancing engagement through sustained, structured and results-oriented initiatives.”
The Pakistan Myanmar bilateral talks also addressed military-to-military cooperation, investments, scientific collaboration, and religious tourism. Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage was highlighted as a potential area for cooperation. Myanmar invited Pakistani businesses to invest in sectors such as economy, agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, and trade.
Both ministers emphasised historical bonds. U Than Swe referenced shared struggles against British colonial rule and ties dating back to interactions between Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Myanmar’s founder General Aung San.
Pakistan Myanmar Bilateral Talks: Regional and Global Context
The talks occurred as Myanmar concluded its month-long general elections on Sunday, 25 January 2026. Senator Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan’s support for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Myanmar. He said: “Pakistan supports a peaceful, stable and prosperous Myanmar. We are confident that Myanmar can play a very positive role in creating regional reconciliation, shared prosperity and development for all.”
He added: “Pakistan sincerely desires peace, stability and prosperity for Myanmar and hopes that the forthcoming general elections will contribute to stability, development and inclusive governance.”
Background
Pakistan and Myanmar have maintained cordial and friendly relations since Myanmar’s independence. The last high-level Myanmar leadership visit to Pakistan occurred in May 2015. The last Pakistani presidential visit to Myanmar took place in 2012 under then-President Asif Ali Zardari.
Both countries share membership in regional forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). They also coordinate within the United Nations and other international frameworks.
What’s Next
Both sides agreed to pursue additional MoUs for trade and investment promotion. They committed to intensifying sectoral cooperation in trade, business, investments, culture, and scientific areas. Plans include facilitating business community engagement, promoting tourism, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
The new political consultations mechanism is expected to enable regular dialogue. Pakistan remains committed to supporting Myanmar’s stability and national reconciliation.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 27th, 2026
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