Islamabad:Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has commended Pakistan for playing a "unique but very constructive and valuable role" in addressing regional challenges. The remarks were made during a joint news conference with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, with specific reference to the ongoing crisis in the Gulf and its implications for energy supplies to Asia.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, most of the energy that passes through the Gulf is destined for South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Northeast Asia. Balakrishnan highlighted Pakistan's valuable contribution in this context, expressing hopes for Pakistan's success, which he suggested would benefit the entire region.
Pakistan and Oman have been instrumental in mediating negotiations between the US and Iran, culminating in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum on June 18. The visit by Balakrishnan marked the first by a Singaporean foreign minister to Pakistan in over two decades, during which discussions focused on enhancing political and economic ties, technology and education cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
The two ministers emphasized the significance of secure maritime trade routes and uninterrupted supply chains for trade stability. They also reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, respect for international law, and adherence to the UN Charter principles to address regional and global challenges.
Additionally, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry reported discussions on cooperation in multilateral forums and Pakistan's engagement with ASEAN, especially in light of Singapore's upcoming chairmanship of the bloc in 2027. A memorandum of understanding was also exchanged between the Singapore Civil Defense Force and Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority.
Balakrishnan also met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to explore opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and investment, focusing on sectors such as the digital economy, fintech, infrastructure, logistics, and small and medium-sized enterprises. This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Singapore.