Pakistan, Russia reaffirm stronger strategic cooperation as Dar holds flurry of diplomatic meetings at ASEAN forum  

• DPM Dar, Russian FM Lavrov review full spectrum of Pakistan-Russia relations, discuss ways to further strengthen their growing partnership

• Deputy PM, Bangladesh FM reaffirm growing momentum in ties, welcome direct flights and closer people-to-people links

• Pakistan, Sri Lanka agree to expand cooperation in trade, defence and economic connectivity

• ASEAN chief lauds Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation and regional peace

• Foreign ministers stress sustained high-level engagement to advance bilateral partnerships

• Dar to address Asia-Pacific security, hold key bilateral meetings on sidelines of ASEAN Regional Forum

 MANILA/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity and other key sectors, while also pledging to enhance coordination at multilateral forums, as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a series of high-level diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), Dar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ahead of the ministerial session, where the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-Russia relations and discussed ways to further strengthen their growing partnership.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov today in Manila, ahead of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting.

The two leaders reviewed Pakistan–Russia bilateral… pic.twitter.com/hZSj4Y5jiw

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026

The two foreign ministers underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement in advancing bilateral ties and reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity and other areas of mutual interest.

They also exchanged views on key regional and international developments and agreed to remain in close contact to further deepen bilateral engagement and coordination on issues of common concern.

 Dar, Bangladesh FM review growing momentum in bilateral ties

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar also met Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister and President-elect of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Khalilur Rehman, on the sidelines of the ARF Ministerial Meeting.

According to another FO statement, the two leaders reviewed the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and the renewed momentum generated by Deputy Prime Minister Dar’s visit to Bangladesh last year.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met Mr. Khalilur Rehman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and President-elect of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)… pic.twitter.com/Be8Y7VJ6pX

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026

They reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties across diverse sectors.

They welcomed the increasing engagement between the two countries, including enhanced people-to-people contacts and improved connectivity following the commencement of direct flights earlier this year, and agreed to sustain the positive momentum.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

 Pakistan, Sri Lanka reaffirm close and friendly ties

In another bilateral engagement, Deputy Prime Minister Dar met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, with both sides reaffirming the longstanding and friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The two ministers discussed avenues to further expand cooperation in trade, economic connectivity, defence and people-to-people exchanges, the Foreign Office said in a separate statement.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum #ARF2026 in Manila.

The two Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the close and friendly relations between… pic.twitter.com/1d9eZviLwW

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026

They appreciated the positive momentum in institutional engagements, growing economic and trade cooperation, and the successful visit of the Pakistan cricket team to Sri Lanka. Both sides agreed that sustained high-level exchanges would play a key role in further strengthening bilateral relations.

During discussions on regional and international developments, Foreign Minister Herath appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in promoting dialogue and peace. Both leaders expressed hope that recent regional tensions would be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue, paving the way for lasting peace and stability across the region.

 Dar, ASEAN chief discuss expanding regional engagement

Deputy Prime Minister Dar also met ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn on the sidelines of the ARF Ministerial Meeting.

The two sides reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN and reviewed opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity, investment and people-to-people exchanges. Dar reiterated Pakistan's desire to further expand its engagement with the dynamic ASEAN region.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila.

The two sides reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/vcjsg6Jw0K

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026

Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn acknowledged Pakistan's strategic location, immense economic potential and the broad convergence of interests between Pakistan and ASEAN. He emphasized the significant scope for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors and welcomed closer engagement in pursuit of shared prosperity.

The ASEAN chief also appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation amid recent regional developments and expressed hope that continued diplomacy would contribute to lasting peace, stability and sustainable development. Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged and work together to advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

 Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Dar arrived in Manila along with his delegation to participate in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting.

Upon his arrival at the airport, he was received by Elmer G. Cato, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Intelligence and Security Services (OISS) at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines, Pakistan's Ambassador to the Philippines Asima Rabbani and officials of the Embassy of Pakistan, the Foreign Office said.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 arrived in Manila, Philippines, along with his delegation to participate in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. A busy programme of engagements lies ahead, including participation… pic.twitter.com/gn3Jqqwifl

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026

The ministerial meeting is bringing together foreign ministers and delegates from the 27 ARF member states, including the Secretary-General of ASEAN.

During the forum, Deputy Prime Minister Dar will participate in discussions on key political and security issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on promoting peace, stability and mutual cooperation through sustained dialogue and diplomacy, the Foreign Office said.

On the sidelines of the meeting, he is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his Philippine counterpart and several other participating dignitaries.