WEB DESK: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will arrive in Pakistan on Monday for her first official visit since assuming office, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

During the visit, Anand and Dar will lead their respective delegations in bilateral talks covering the full spectrum of Pakistan-Canada relations. Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

According to Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the relationship between the two countries is underpinned by strong people-to-people ties, with more than 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin living in Canada and around 20,000 Canadians residing in Pakistan.

In a separate statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the two countries enjoy cordial relations anchored in close diaspora links, adding that the visit reflects a shared commitment to further expanding bilateral cooperation.

The two sides will also exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

The visit comes after recent economic engagements between Islamabad and Ottawa. Last month, Canada hosted the second round of negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) with Pakistan. Earlier this year, both countries also agreed to enhance trade and investment during the sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations held in Islamabad.

Following the conclusion of her engagements in Pakistan, Anand will travel to the Philippines to attend meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).