MYANMAR CAN PLAY A ROLE IN 'REGIONAL RECONCILIATION', SAYS PAKISTAN

NEW DELHI, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Pakistan and Myanmar on Monday sought closer ties as Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Swe held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.

The two sides reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expand cooperation across diverse sectors, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a social media post.

"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 in his remarks at a media stakeout alongside Than Swe.

The Myanmar minister arrived in Pakistan on Saturday on first such high-level visit in four years.

Besides discussing trade, investment, tourism and military relations, Pakistan and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on regular foreign office consultations.

"Both sides noted the significant untapped potential for cooperation and underscored the importance of advancing engagement through sustained, structured and results-oriented initiatives," Dar said.

Myanmar, which is facing political turmoil and ethnic conflicts, is seeking Pakistani investments and deeper business engagement.

Than Swe said: "We wish to sign many MOUs to promote trade and for investment protection.

"We expect to have more (business-to-business) cooperation," he added.

Than Swe highlighted Myanmar’s central location in a region of four billion people, encompassing Southeast Asia and neighbouring countries, and invited Pakistani companies to explore business opportunities there.

-- BERNAMA