Pakistan and Argentina established their diplomatic relations in 1951. Since then the two countries have had friendly and cordial relationship characterized by cooperation at international fora, shared perceptions and understanding on most major global and regional issues.

Former President Musharraf`s three-day official visit in December 2004 was the first head of state or government level visit between Pakistan and Argentina. During official talks areas of common interest between the two countries were explored. Both leaders expressed their mutual resolve to begin a new era of strong political and economic relationship. They agreed to enhance trade and promote cooperation in various fields including science and technology. They also agreed to spur interaction in the fields of sports and culture. Pakistan’s proposal for a framework agreement with regional trade bloc MERCOSUR was supported by President Kirchner.

The first round of High Level Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Buenos Aires on 24 May 2006. The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved. There was a mutual desire to broaden bilateral cooperation and expand ties in various fields. The two sides agreed on a range of measures to increase high-level exchanges, strengthen the political dialogue, and intensify bilateral economic and commercial linkages.

The two countries have had a regular exchange of parliamentary delegations. A two-member delegation headed by President of the House Foreign Affairs Committee visited Pakistan in March 2007. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote greater cooperation between the two Parliaments, and the formation of Parliamentary Friendship Groups. As a follow up, a parliamentary delegation from Pakistan also visited Argentina in July 2007. A Parliamentary Group for Friendship with Pakistan has been formed in the Argentine Chamber of Deputies. Mr. Federici Pinedo has been appointed as Chairman of the Group. Pakistan – Argentina Parliamentary Friendship Group has been established in the National Assemby of Pakistan on 31 October 2008 and its induction is under process.

Pakistan- Argentina Joint Committee on Scientific and Technical Cooperation
The first session of Pakistan- Argentina Joint Committee on Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held in Islamabad from April 19-21, 2007. Prior to the first meeting of the Joint Committee on 19-21 April, 2007, the Argentine delegation visited leading S&T institutes in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad from 16-17 April 2007. In the meeting of the Joint Committee, presentations were made by country`s research institutions in the field of electronics, solar energy, biotechnology, health sciences, water resources development and agriculture and livestock. These presentations were focused on identifying potential areas for future cooperation between Pakistan and Argentine scientific institutions. After detailed exchange of views, the two sides adopted agreed minutes of the first session of Pakistan-Argentina Joint Committee on Scientific and Technical Cooperation

Second meeting of Pakistan – Argentina joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation was held in Buenos Aires from 3 to 8 March 2008. The delegation had various meetings with their counterparts and other concerned organizations and attended different presentations. The visit was highly useful and a follow up is required for concrete results so that cooperation between Pakistan and Argentina can be further strengthened in the field of Science and Technology. Mr. Daniel Lupi, expert from National Institute of Industrial Technology Argentina visited Pakistan.

Agreements
Following bilateral agreements have been concluded between the two countries.

- An Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation was signed in 1983

- Pakistan and Argentina signed an Agreement on Economic and Trade Cooperation in July 2002.

- A Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries in May 2006 on political matters and other matters of common interest was signed between the two countries..

- An agreement between the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry was signed during the visit of Argentine Secretary for International Trade and Economic Relations to Islamabad in September 2005.

- An agreement between Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Exportar Foundation of Argentina signed on 7 May 2007 has been submitted to Cabinet Division seeking approval for signing of the Agreement.

- During the former President’s visit, a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries on political matters and other matters of common interest was signed between the two countries. The first meeting was held in Buenos Aires in May 2006. The two countries also concluded an agreement on abolition of visa for the holders of diplomatic and officials passports of each country.

- A Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Agriculture between Pakistan and Argentina was signed during the visit of Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock in December 2006.

- A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Sports between the Sport Secretariat of Argentina and Ministry of Sports of Pakistan was signed in October 2007.

Agreement proposed/ready to be signed
• Agreement on Cultural Cooperation is ready for signatures.

• Text of the draft agreement on Tourism, proposed by us is still under consideration by Argentine authorities.

Projected visits between Pakistan and Argentina
A trade delegation of important Pakistani exporters and manufacturers of Textile, Surgical Instruments and Sport products was expected to visit Argentina and Chile in October 2008. New dates are awaited. Mission has recommended that the Speaker of the National Assembly may extend an invitation to her Argentine counterpart with a Parliamentary Delegation. Also, Mission has recommended to the Speaker that she may wish to extend an invitation to the Argentina – Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kaleem Saadat, had extended an invitation to the Chief of Staff of Argentine Air Force, Brigadier General Eduardo Augusto Schiaffino, to visit Pakistan. The visit dates have not yet been confirmed by the Argentine side. The proposed visit besides creating good will among the two air forces is expected to provide them an opportunity to break new grounds of collaboration and cooperation. The possibility of the Argentine Air Force using Mirage Rebuild factory at Kamra in Pakistan for repair and maintenance of Mirage fleet of the Argetine Air Force is being explored by both sides.