Hina meets Gulf Cooperation Council leaders

Islamabad, September 26, 2012 (PPI-OT): Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar held a detailed meeting with the GCC Troika consisting of the Deputy Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Minister of Bahrain and the Secretary General of the GCC on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly today.

Foreign Minister Khar said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with the GCC countries and that peace and stability in the GCC region was in Pakistan’s vital interest. She said the GCC was a major trading partner and Pakistan would like to further expand and diversify its trade with the region. She hoped that the GCC would be able to conclude an FTA with Pakistan in the near future.

The Foreign Minister also hoped that keeping in view Pakistan’s special relations with the GCC, the latter would give preference to Pakistani workers.

While discussing the agenda for the next strategic dialogue, the Foreign Minister hoped that dialogue would take place in Pakistan before the end of this year.

The Secretary General of the GCC said that they have a special relationship with the Pakistani people and, therefore, Pakistan merited preferential treatment. He also assured the Foreign Minister that FTA with Pakistan would receive special consideration.

The two sides also discussed the regional situation with particular reference to developments in Afghanistan, Syria and Libya. They expressed their desire to work closely for peace and stability across the Muslim world.

For more information, contact:
Syed Haider Ali Jafri
Personal Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tel: +9251 921 0335 and 9056604