Pakistan and Canada have discussed ways and means to expand bilateral cooperation in diverse areas, with focus on strengthening bilateral economic relations. Shahid Kamal, Additional Secretary (Americas), Pakistan Foreign Ministry, and Randolph Mank, Director-General in the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade have held talks, said an official statement. The consultations covered bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest. The decision to institute regular Bilateral Consultations between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries was taken during the visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Peter MacKay to Pakistan in January 2007. It reflected the shared desire of both countries to broaden and deepen bilateral cooperation and consult on important regional and international issues. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral economic relations, including proposals to enhance trade and investment links and energy cooperation between the two countries. Measures to deepen cooperation in the field of security, education, science & technology, and culture were also discussed. Both sides underscored the importance they attached to building a broad- based relationship marked by multifaceted cooperation in different fields. In this endeavor, the two sides agreed to work towards reinforcing cooperation in mutually agreed areas through intensified bilateral interaction. The two sides also had an exchange of views on Afghanistan, including measures that Pakistan has taken for strengthening security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and repatriation of Afghan refugees. They reaffirmed their commitment to work together to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan. There were discussions on the follow-up to the visit of the Canadian assessment team on issues related to border controls and management. Both sides also exchanged views on non-proliferation and disarmament issue and counter-terrorism capacity-building. It was agreed that the next round of Bilateral Consultations would be held in Ottawa on mutually agreed dates.
