Pakistan, Egypt Vow to Boost Economic Ties, Urge Middle East De-Escalation at ARF 2026

ISLAMABAD — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held extensive bilateral talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty in Manila, focusing on strengthening trade ties and addressing growing volatility in the Middle East.

The high-level engagement took place during a dinner meeting hosted by Dr. Abdelatty on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF 2026) ministerial summit.

PAKISTAN-EGYPT DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT (ARF 2026)
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Economic Cooperation: Trade, Investment, Energy Security│
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Regional Stability: Middle East De-escalation & Peace │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Multilateral Unity: Red Sea Maritime Security Concerns │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Expanding Economic Horizons

The two foreign ministers reviewed the current trajectory of Pakistan-Egypt relations, identifying key sectors for immediate growth.

  • Trade & Investment: Agreed to streamline bilateral trade frameworks to boost commercial exchange.
  • Economic Cooperation: Discussed structural investment partnerships across mutual economic interests.
  • Multilateral Alliances: Reaffirmed a shared commitment to back each other’s positions at global diplomatic forums.

Regional Security & Global Trade Risks

With escalating tensions across the Middle East, the leaders issued a strong call for immediate diplomatic intervention.

  • Sovereignty First: Emphasized that regional peace hinges on absolute respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.
  • Maritime & Energy Security: Warned that prolonged regional instability poses direct threats to vital international shipping lanes, global energy security, and the broader world economy.
  • Dialogue over Conflict: Urged regional actors to choose de-escalation and structured dialogue over military confrontation.

Solid Stand on Palestine

Turning to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the ministers coordinated their diplomatic stances following the recent Regional Four consultations in Cairo.

  • Protection of Civilians: Strongly rejected ongoing violence targeting innocent civilians.
  • Settlement Halts: Condemned illegal settlement activities expanding across the occupied West Bank.
  • Peace Mission: Recommitted both nations to leveraging their diplomatic leverage to establish long-term regional peace and stability.