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Mr Dar also conveyed his best wishes to Singapore as the country prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2027.<\/p>\n
“We look forward to working closely with Singapore in support of its priorities as chairman and to further strengthen Pakistan-ASEAN cooperation,” he noted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
During his visit, Dr Balakrishnan called on Mr\u00a0Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the country’s chief of defence forces and army staff.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dr Balakrishnan\u2019s\u00a0itinerary also included a visit to the National Center of Artificial Intelligence at Pakistan\u2019s National University of Sciences and Technology to learn about its advancements in AI.<\/p>\n
Dr Balakrishnan commended Pakistan’s “constructive and\u00a0valuable role” in the Gulf, noting that the region\u2019s importance to Asia as much of the energy passing through it is destined for South Asia, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pakistan and Qatar helped broker an interim agreement in June aimed at easing the United States-Iran conflict, restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and opening the way for broader talks. Pakistan has also continued to play a diplomatic role in efforts to reduce tensions in the region, including through recent discussions involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.<\/p>\n
“The unique, but very constructive and valuable role that Pakistan plays is one which we commend you for, and we wish you every success because if you succeed, it\u2019s good for all of us,” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Dr Balakrishnan stressed the importance of building on the two countries’ longstanding ties.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Sixty years is an important milestone, but what matters more is what we do in the next 60 years,” said Dr Balakrishnan.<\/p>\n
“I look forward to building on the discussions today and finding more practical ways to advance the development of our very close relations between Singapore and Pakistan.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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