ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Myanmar have agreed to enhance cooperation to provide consular assistance to citizens caught up in cross-border scam operations, Pakistani officials said on Monday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made the announcement after holding talks with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Than Swe, who arrived in Islamabad over the weekend on a four-day official visit.
Dar said both sides committed to closer coordination through diplomatic channels to support victims of fraudulent networks operating in parts of Myanmar, particularly along border regions where criminal groups have targeted foreign nationals.
“The two countries agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation to facilitate consular assistance, especially for victims of scamming gangs,” Dar told reporters during a joint media interaction.
The ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding establishing regular political consultations between their foreign ministries, aimed at sustaining dialogue on bilateral, regional and international matters.
Than Swe said Myanmar was interested in expanding cooperation with Pakistan, including in trade and investment, and expressed hope for stronger engagement between private sectors in both countries.
Scam centres operating in Myanmar’s remote areas have drawn international concern in recent years, with thousands of foreign workers reportedly lured or trafficked into fraudulent operations.
Pakistan and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in 1948, shortly after Myanmar gained independence.
