Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar adn his Burmese counterpart Than Swe held “very productive and extensive” discussions in islamabad on Monday, as both Pakistan and Myanmar seek to revitalise ties.
FM Than Swe arrived in Islamabad on a four-day official visit on the night of January 24. the Foreign Office (FO) had said the visit “aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries”.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside Than Swe, Dar said, “Our discussions were very productive and comprehensive.”
He highlighted that the Burmese FM’s visit reflected the “importance that both countries attach to revitalising and strengthening Pakistan-Myanmar relationship”.
Noting that their meeting went for over an hour, Dar said the discussions covered the “full spectrum of bilateral relations”.
“we also exchanged views on regional peace and security and agreed that all […] issues should be resolved through dialog and diplomacy,” the deputy prime minister added.
He stressed that both countries had historic bonds,adding,”Building on this positive foundation,we agreed to work closely to expand cooperation in all party areas.”
Dar stated that the two leaders undertook a “comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation, including political, commercial, trade and cultural areas, and also people-to-people exchanges”.
“Both sides noted the significant untapped potential for cooperation and underscored the importance of advancing engagement through sustained, structured and results-oriented initiatives,” he added.
The foreign minister detailed that they agreed to enhance cooperation in capacity-building, development and humanitarian areas.
“The two sides also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, to facilitate consular assistance to each other’s nationals, particularly the […] victims of scamming gangs,” Dar said, adding that the countries agreed to maintain close coordination through relevant channels to ensure “collective cooperation”.
Dar said he and Than Swe emphasised the importance of further intensifying people-to-people exchanges, closer cooperation through academic linkages, youth engagement, and cultural initiatives.
The deputy premier briefed the visiting dignitary on Pakistan’s “rich Buddhist heritage and highlighted the potential of religious tourism as a means to strengthen cultural ties and promote greater connectivity between our people”.
“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,” Dar said.
He revealed that after their meeting, Islamabad and Naypyidaw signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on poli
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Myanmar and pakistan share a history marked by colonial ties and, following Myanmar’s independence, a consistently cordial relationship. This report examines the historical context and current state of relations between the two nations, verifying claims made in an untrusted source and providing updated information as of January 26, 2026.
Myanmar’s Colonial History and Independence
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Myanmar, formerly Burma, was a part of British India from 1826 to 1937, and then a separate British colony until 1948. The claim that Myanmar remained part of “one country under the british colony for more than one century” is largely accurate, reflecting over 120 years of British rule.
British colonial rule significantly impacted Myanmar’s political, social, and economic structures. The country experienced several uprisings against British rule, culminating in the independence movement led by Aung San.
Myanmar gained independence on January 4, 1948, from the united Kingdom.Britannica: Burma Independence
Pakistan’s Independence and Early Relations with Myanmar
Pakistan gained independence on August 14, 1947, as a result of the partition of India. Following independence,Pakistan prioritized establishing diplomatic relations with newly self-reliant nations,including Myanmar.
The initial focus for Pakistan was establishing its own national identity and navigating the geopolitical landscape of the Cold War. Early relations with Myanmar were characterized by mutual respect and a shared interest in regional stability.
According to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan recognized Myanmar on March 16, 1948, and established diplomatic relations on December 1, 1948.
Myanmar-Pakistan Bilateral Relations
Since Myanmar’s independence, successive governments have maintained cordial and friendly relations with Pakistan, as stated in the source. This has manifested in diplomatic exchanges,trade cooperation,and defense collaboration.
Detail: Bilateral trade between Myanmar and Pakistan, while not substantial, has been steadily increasing.Key exports from Pakistan to Myanmar include rice, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, while Myanmar exports agricultural products and timber to Pakistan. Trading Economics: Myanmar Exports by Country shows Pakistan as a consistent, though relatively small, trading partner.
Example: In November 2023, the Pakistani Ambassador to Myanmar, Mr. Muhammad Ashraf, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties during a meeting with the Myanmar Minister for International cooperation, U Ko Ko Hlaing. Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Regional Cooperation and Current status (as of January 26, 2026)
Both Myanmar and Pakistan are active members of regional organizations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Myanmar – and the South Asian Association for regional Cooperation (SAARC) – Pakistan. These memberships provide platforms for dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual concern.
Detail: As of January 26, 2026, the political situation in Myanmar remains unstable following the 2021 military coup. This has presented challenges to regional stability and international relations. Pakistan has consistently called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Myanmar, respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Dawn News: Pakistan calls for peaceful resolution to Myanmar crisis
Example: On January 15, 2026, Pakistan reiterated its support for ASEAN’s efforts to facilitate a peaceful solution in Myanmar, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue among all stakeholders.
