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By The South Asia Times

CANBERRA - Pakistan and Australia held high-level diplomatic and trade meetings in Canberra on Tuesday, reviewing bilateral relations and charting a roadmap for broader cooperation in trade, investment, and regional security, according to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The 9th Pakistan-Australia Senior Officials’ Talks were co-chaired by Ambassador Dr. Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Pakistan's Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia Pacific), and Ms. Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade[citation:0]. The two sides conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, discussing opportunities to strengthen political engagement, economic development, science and technology cooperation, education, defense, and counter-terrorism.

The officials also exchanged views on regional and international developments, with Pakistan briefing Australia on its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate crises in the Middle East and highlighting concerns over South Asian regional stability, including the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty[citation:0].

Concurrently, the 10th session of the Australia-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee convened in Canberra. The Pakistani delegation, led by Commerce Secretary Mr. Jawad Paul Khawaja, and the Australian side, again led by Ms. Storey, discussed strategies to boost bilateral trade and investment, focusing on agriculture, livestock, information technology, mining, and services[citation:0].

A key discussion point was improving market access and resolving issues related to Pakistan's textile products[citation:0]. The meeting also addressed global trade dynamics and opportunities for enhanced cooperation within the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework. Both sides reviewed progress under the bilateral partnership and identified new avenues for collaboration to strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship.

The meetings follow a period of growing engagement between the two countries. Australian officials have previously expressed interest in Pakistan's mining sector, with discussions on a potential intergovernmental agreement for long-term cooperation underway. In May 2026, Australia sanctioned the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its leaders, acting against a group designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan, demonstrating cooperation on counter-terrorism.

The two nations have also been in dialogue on broader geopolitical issues. In April 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who praised Pakistan's constructive role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, with both leaders emphasizing the peaceful resolution of conflicts