ISLAMABAD: On the sidelines of a regional security summit in Manila, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, held strategic meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday. These discussions underscore Islamabad’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to deepen ties with Moscow and revitalize relations with Dhaka.
These high-level engagements highlight two of Pakistan’s current foreign policy priorities. Islamabad has been steadily expanding institutional cooperation with Russia, focusing on energy and regional connectivity. Simultaneously, the country is working to rebuild its relationship with Bangladesh following Dhaka’s political transition in 2024, aiming for closer economic and diplomatic collaboration after a period of limited engagement.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov today in Manila, ahead of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry stated.
“The two leaders reviewed Pakistan-Russia bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, and other key areas, as well as enhancing coordination at multilateral forums,” the ministry added. “They underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement in advancing the Pakistan-Russia partnership.”
The officials also discussed various regional and international developments, agreeing to maintain close diplomatic contact. This meeting follows a broader trend of institutional engagement between Islamabad and Moscow, which have recently pursued a long-term economic cooperation roadmap through 2030, alongside ongoing discussions regarding energy and security.
Additionally, Dar met with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, who serves as the president-elect of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The two ministers reviewed the positive trajectory of their bilateral relations and committed to further strengthening ties. They specifically welcomed the increase in people-to-people contact and improved connectivity facilitated by the resumption of direct flights between the two nations earlier this year.
Diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh has expanded significantly following the political demonstrations in August 2024 that led to the downfall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Both governments are now seeking to reset their relationship through high-level exchanges and enhanced economic and regional cooperation.
The meetings were held during the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Manila, where Dar is leading the Pakistani delegation and is scheduled to participate in further bilateral discussions with other foreign ministers.
Established in 1994, the ASEAN Regional Forum serves as the primary multilateral platform for dialogue on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific. Pakistan has been a member of the forum since 2004 and remains an active participant in its ministerial meetings.