OTTAWA: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will visit Pakistan and the Philippines this week as part of Canada’s efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region, the Government of Canada announced on Monday.
The visit aims to deepen diplomatic engagement, expand economic cooperation and reinforce Canada’s long-term commitment to regional peace, security and sustainable development under its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
First Canadian Foreign Minister Visit to Pakistan in Two Decades
During her visit to Pakistan, Minister Anita Anand will hold meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade and investment opportunities, and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The visit marks the first official trip by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly 20 years, highlighting renewed momentum in relations between the two countries.
Growing Canada-Pakistan Trade Relations
Canada and Pakistan continue to strengthen economic ties through increasing trade and investment.
According to the Canadian government, bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2025.
Canadian exports to Pakistan totaled $499.7 million, representing a 65% increase compared with 2024, while imports from Pakistan reached $696 million.
Exports of Canadian canola seeds to Pakistan also resumed in late 2025 and have already exceeded $426 million.
Both countries are also negotiating a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), with the second round of negotiations held in June 2026.
Canada’s relationship with Pakistan is further strengthened by strong people-to-people connections, with more than 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin living in Canada and approximately 20,000 Canadians residing in Pakistan.
ASEAN Meetings in the Philippines
Following her Pakistan visit, Minister Anand will travel to Manila, Philippines, to participate in several high-level ASEAN meetings.
On July 22, she will attend the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference Plus Canada, where leaders will review progress under the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and discuss preparations for the 50th anniversary of Canada-ASEAN relations in 2027.
On July 23, the minister will participate in the ASEAN Regional Forum, where foreign ministers will discuss key regional and international security challenges.
Regional Security on the Agenda
The ASEAN Regional Forum discussions will cover several pressing issues, including:
- The ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
- Rising tensions in the East and South China Seas.
- North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
- Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- The evolving situation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Maritime security and cyber threats.
- Online scam networks and protection of critical infrastructure.
Canada will also explore opportunities for closer cooperation with ASEAN partners on maritime security, cybersecurity and regional stability.
Strengthening Canada-Philippines Relations
While in Manila, Minister Anand is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with senior Philippine officials to further strengthen trade, investment and diplomatic cooperation.
The visit follows the announcement earlier this month of a new Canada-Philippines Strategic Partnership, unveiled during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Vancouver.
The agreement aims to expand cooperation in trade, defence, energy and tourism.
Canada and the Philippines recorded $3.4 billion in bilateral merchandise trade during 2025, including $1.1 billion in Canadian exports and $2.3 billion in imports from the Philippines.
Canada Reinforces Indo-Pacific Strategy
Canada described the visits as part of its broader Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), launched in 2022 with an investment of $2.3 billion to strengthen regional engagement, security cooperation, trade and sustainable development.
Canada has also been a founding member of the ASEAN Regional Forum since 1994 and considers ASEAN one of its most important strategic partners.
Collectively, ASEAN’s 11 member states are Canada’s fifth-largest merchandise trading partner, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching $52.4 billion in 2025.
The Canadian government said Minister Anand’s visits demonstrate Canada’s commitment to expanding partnerships across the Indo-Pacific while promoting regional peace, economic growth and long-term stability.
