AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani emphasized the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Portugal during a meeting with Portuguese Ambassador Manuel Frederico Pinheiro da Silva at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors and strengthening people-to-people connections.
According to a statement by Senate of Pakistan, Mr. Gilani highlighted the 75-year diplomatic relationship between the two nations and stressed the need to diversify collaboration in areas such as the blue and green economies, agriculture, trade, sports, and information technology. He proposed celebrating this enduring partnership to further deepen ties.
The Acting President called for increased parliamentary exchanges and high-level interactions to foster mutual benefits. He also extended an invitation to the President of Portugal to visit Pakistan, noting previous invitations extended by the Pakistani Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister to their Portuguese counterpart.
Mr. Gilani remarked on the active cooperation between Pakistan and Portugal at international forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations, underscoring their shared commitment to global issues. He emphasized the importance of parliamentary friendship groups for discussing mutual interests.
He also expressed appreciation for the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) and sought Portugal’s support for the next arrangement. Mr. Gilani encouraged Portuguese investment in Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council, which offers streamlined operations for sectors like mining and energy.
The upcoming interaction between President Asif Ali Zardari and his Portuguese counterpart was noted as a potential milestone in bilateral relations. Mr. Gilani also advocated for a Labour Mobility Partnership Agreement and the implementation of existing MOUs, while urging Portugal to finalize a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Acknowledging the growing Pakistani community in Portugal, Mr. Gilani recognized its role in strengthening ties. He paid tribute to the late Prince Karim Agha Khan IV for his contributions to various sectors and social services worldwide.
The Portuguese Ambassador expressed gratitude for Mr. Gilani’s remarks and affirmed Portugal’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. The meeting concluded with an invitation for the Ambassador to visit Multan to explore economic collaboration opportunities.
The post Pakistan and Portugal Seek to Bolster Bilateral Ties appeared first on pakistannewsgazette.com.