Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to further expand the friendly ties between Pakistan and Canada.

He was talking to Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, who called on him in Islamabad today.

Welcoming the Canadian Foreign Minister to Pakistan, the Prime Minister called for enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, agriculture including agri-foods and vaccine manufacturing, renewable energy, as well as the automobile and auto parts industry.

He conveyed his greetings and best wishes to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and said that he looks forward to meeting him soon. He fondly recalled the telephone conversation with his Canadian counterpart in April, and thanked Canada for supporting Pakistan's regional peace efforts.

Foreign Minister Anita Anand thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome accorded to her and her delegation in Islamabad.

She conveyed the good wishes of Prime Minister Mark Carney to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and said that her visit is on the instructions of her Prime Minister to expand Canada's relations with Pakistan.

On the bilateral front, the Canadian Foreign Minister expressed the keen desire of her Government to explore new opportunities for trade and cooperation, especially in the field of agriculture, mining, energy as well as in the auto and auto parts industry.

In this regard, she said the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) would be instrumental in enhancing Canadian investors' confidence to invest in Pakistan.

Both sides agreed that the Pakistani Canadian community is acting as a vital bridge between the two nations.

The two sides also agreed to exchange delegations in the fields of trade and mineral cooperation, to explore mutually beneficial opportunities, with a view to further enhance bilateral trade and investment prospects.