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Islamabad: Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Ireland Mariam Madiha Aftab called on President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad. The President congratulated Mariam Madiha Aftab on her appointment and expressed confidence that she would work to strengthen Pakistan-Ireland relations, with a focus on building a strong economic partnership.
According to Radio Pakistan, the President stressed the need to expand cooperation in trade and investment as well as in sustainable development, climate change, critical and emerging technologies, education, culture, and tourism. He asked for efforts to attract Irish investment in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones and information technology sector.
Referring to Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the European Union from July to December next year, the President emphasized the importance of enhancing high-level and parliamentary exchanges. He recalled the visit of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to Ireland in 1994 and a recent visit by a Senate delegation.
Highlighting the Pakistani diaspora in Ireland, the President asked for closer engagement to strengthen people-to-people ties and project Pakistan’s positive image through cultural diplomacy and media outreach.