Middle East situation in focus as DPM Dar, Kuwaiti FM meet in Islamabad

• Dar, Kuwaiti FM review full spectrum of bilateral ties: FO.
• Top diplomats discuss regional, global developments: FO.
• Meeting to be followed by delegation-level talks: FO.
  

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday met Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, with the two sides discussing the evolving situation in the Middle East.

The Kuwaiti FM — who arrived in the country on Tuesday — called on DPM Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, according to the Foreign Office.

During the meeting, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding brotherly partnership.

“They also held in-depth discussions on regional and international developments, with particular focus on the evolving situation in the Middle East,” the FO said.

According to the FO, the top diplomats’ bilateral meeting will be followed by delegation-level talks to review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Kuwait bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international developments.

The FO spokesperson earlier said that the visit reflected the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Kuwait, anchored in shared history, mutual trust and close cooperation.

The visit comes days after Reutersreported, citing five sources familiar with the talks, that Pakistan has been negotiating an expanded defence pact with Kuwait in exchange for energy cooperation and investment.

Kuwait has had a more limited defence deal with Pakistan for training and joint exercises since 2023.

It is now seeking a show of force by Islamabad that would be similar to Pakistan’s pact with Saudi Arabia, including “thousands of Pakistani troops on the ground, fighter jets, drones, an air defence system, and other defence-related facilities,” a Pakistani government official was quoted as saying.