KUALA LUMPUR, Thursday, July 10, 2025 (WNP): In a forward-looking diplomatic exchange, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, on Thursday met with Australian Foreign Minister Senator Hon Penny Wong on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, reaffirming the strength of Pakistan-Australia relations and exploring avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Calling it a “productive and future-oriented engagement,” Senator Dar expressed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding collaboration in trade, education, and people-to-people exchanges, underscoring the value of the Pakistani diaspora and cricket as vital cultural bridges between the two nations.

Both sides agreed to enhance bilateral trade, which currently stands at $1.186 billion, while promoting academic partnerships and increasing high-level political dialogue. The leaders acknowledged the potential for deeper engagement across multiple sectors and pledged to maintain the momentum through frequent diplomatic interactions and institutional collaboration.

The meeting reflected a mutual desire to reinforce long-standing ties and adapt the relationship to meet the dynamic challenges and opportunities of the Indo-Pacific and beyond.