Islamabad, August 5, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during the 9th round of Pakistan–Australia Senior Officials’ Talks and the 10th Australia–Pakistan Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting, both held in Canberra on August 4, 2026. The Pakistan delegation at the Senior Officials’ Talks was led by Ambassador Dr. Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia Pacific), while the Australian delegation was headed by Ms. Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). During the talks, both sides conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and explored opportunities to further enhance cooperation in a broad range of areas, including high-level exchanges, political engagement, economic development, science and technology, education, defence, security, counter-terrorism, transnational crime, and climate change.

The two delegations also exchanged views on regional and international developments and discussed strengthening coordination at multilateral forums. The Pakistani side briefed Australia on its diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and shared its perspective on the regional situation in South Asia, including the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and India’s continued violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. On the same day, the 10th Australia–Pakistan Joint Trade Committee meeting was held in Canberra. The Pakistani delegation was led by Mr. Jawad Paul Khawaja, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, while the Australian delegation was again headed by Ms. Sarah Storey.

The meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment, with particular emphasis on cooperation in agriculture, livestock, information technology, mining, and the services sector. Both sides also discussed improving market access, addressing trade-related issues—particularly those affecting Pakistan’s textile exports—and enhancing economic collaboration. The discussions further covered evolving global trade dynamics, their impact on bilateral trade, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation within multilateral trading frameworks, including the World Trade Organization (WTO). The meetings provided both countries with an opportunity to review the progress made in bilateral relations, identify new avenues for collaboration, and reinforce their shared commitment to building a stronger, mutually beneficial partnership.