Singapore and Pakistan discussed bilateral cooperation, regional security and disaster preparedness during official visit.
Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan visited Islamabad, Pakistan, on 30 October 2026 for an Official Visit, where he met senior Pakistani leaders to discuss bilateral relations, regional security and economic cooperation. The visit also included the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on disaster management between Singapore’s Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
During the visit, Dr Balakrishnan called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff. In his meeting with Prime Minister Sharif, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Singapore and Pakistan and welcomed the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to further deepen bilateral ties.
Dr Balakrishnan also exchanged views with Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Munir on the evolving regional security landscape. They underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in promoting peace and stability. He expressed appreciation for their efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and prevent wider repercussions for the global economy.
The Singapore Foreign Minister subsequently met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who hosted him to lunch. Their discussions covered opportunities to expand cooperation in the digital economy, education, people-to-people exchanges, technology, trade and disaster management.
Both Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments, underscoring their shared commitment to upholding international law and adhering to a rules-based international order.
During the meeting, Dr Balakrishnan and Senator Dar exchanged an MOU on Cooperation in Disaster Management between SCDF and Pakistan’s NDMA. The agreement established a framework for cooperation in disaster preparedness and response, covering early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, search and rescue capabilities, and regular training and exercises.
The MOU took effect on the date of signature and will remain in force until either party provides 90 days’ written notice of termination.
As part of his Official Visit, Dr Balakrishnan also visited the National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad.
Source: MFA
