Dar, Venezuelan FM reaffirm stronger bilateral ties, expand cooperation

• DPM Dar, Venezuela's Minister of Foreign Relations and Trade agree to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, IT and other key sectors

• Felix Plasencia praises Pakistan’s role in promoting US-Iran dialogue, commends its commitment to peace and diplomacy

• Dar conveys condolences over Venezuela earthquakes, vows continued solidarity and closer high-level engagement

• DPM tells National Party federal government remains committed to Balochistan’s constitutional rights, prosperity and development

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Venezuela's Minister of Foreign Relations and Foreign Trade, Felix Plasencia, on Sunday reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Venezuela, while agreeing to expand cooperation across multiple sectors and maintain close coordination on regional and international issues.

During a telephone conversation, the two foreign ministers reviewed the state of bilateral relations and explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, business, agriculture, information technology and other areas of mutual interest.

They underscored the significant untapped potential for broadening economic collaboration and promoting stronger people-to-people exchanges for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received a call from the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Relations and Foreign Trade of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, H.E. Félix Plasencia.

DPM/FM extended his warm congratulations to… pic.twitter.com/aPyK1Y6wTn

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 19, 2026

According to a Foreign Office spokesperson, the deputy prime minister received a call from the newly appointed Venezuelan foreign minister, during which both sides reaffirmed their desire to inject fresh momentum into bilateral engagement.

Dar emphasized the importance of sustained high-level exchanges to reinvigorate bilateral relations and further deepen cooperation in diverse fields.

The two leaders also appreciated the continued close coordination between Pakistan and Venezuela at multilateral forums on issues of shared interest.

The deputy prime minister congratulated Minister Plasencia on his appointment and conveyed Pakistan's heartfelt condolences over the devastating earthquakes that recently struck Venezuela.

Reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela during this difficult period, Dar expressed confidence in the country's resilience and ability to recover from the disaster.

Minister Plasencia thanked the deputy prime minister for Pakistan's message of sympathy and solidarity, appreciating Islamabad's humanitarian support for those affected by the natural calamity. He stressed the importance of mutual support and cooperation in times of adversity.

The Venezuelan foreign minister also acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in the regional situation involving the United States and Iran, commending its consistent commitment to peace and diplomacy.

The two sides agreed to remain in close contact and meet at the earliest appropriate opportunity to further advance bilateral cooperation.

 Govt committed to addressing Balochistan issues: Dar

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar reiterated that the federal government remained firmly committed to addressing the challenges confronting the people of Balochistan and fulfilling their legitimate aspirations for economic prosperity and sustainable development within the framework of the Constitution of Pakistan.

According to a press release issued by the Deputy Prime Minister's Office, Dar made the remarks during a meeting with President of the National Party Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch and parliamentary members of the party.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received the President of the National Party, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, along with parliamentary members of his party, on 18 July 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister reiterated that the Federal… pic.twitter.com/tGVOmhTW4n

— Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (@DPM_PK) July 19, 2026

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah Khan and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa also attended the meeting.

During the discussion, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch thanked the deputy prime minister and said the National Party was prepared to work collectively with all stakeholders for the betterment and welfare of the people of Balochistan.

He also observed that certain elements operating in the province neither enjoyed public support nor possessed legitimacy among the people of Balochistan.