Dar, Singapore FM discuss possible resumption of direct Pakistan-Singapore flights

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed with Sin­ga­porean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Friday the possible resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Singapore “to facilitate business travel and close contact between our peoples”. Dar shared this while addressing a press conference alongside Balakrishnan, who is on an official visit to Pakistan. He began by saying that Pakistan and Singapore enjoyed longstanding and friendly ties focused on mutual respect and goodwill, and Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise Singapore following its independence in 1965. He noted that Balakrishnan’s visit to Pakistan was the first one by a Singaporean foreign minister in over two decades.

“I am grateful that he was kind to accept my invitation,” he said, adding that the trip was particularly significant as the two countries were commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. “The visit reflects our shared commitment to strengthen this friendship and broaden our cooperation. ” Dar said that delegation-level talks and a restricted meeting between the two sides earlier in the day focused on strengthening political and economic ties, expanding cooperation in technology and education and promoting culture and people-to-people contact. “We also exchanged views on key regional and international developments,” he added. He further stated that the two sides had recognised “the considerable untapped potential in our relationship” and stressed the importance of sustained engagement. “We agreed to hold regular bilateral political consultation and promote high-level exchanges to strengthen cooperation between our governments and institutions,” he said, adding that economic cooperation was central to the discussions. He said “we…