LAHORE (January 07 2010): Ambassador of Holland in Pakistan Joost Reintjes called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif here on Wednesday. Co-operation in various sectors as well as matters of mutual interest was discussed in the meeting.

Talking to the Dutch Ambassador, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that there were long standing friendly ties between Pakistan and Holland, however, there was need to promote economic and trade relations. He said that Pakistan was facing serious problems such as extremism and militancy but the whole nation was united in the war against terrorism and Pakistan army, police and the people were writing a new history with their courage and bravery.

He said that it is first time that children of army officers and jawans have also embraced martyrdom for their country. He said that after Swat and Malakand, the operation in South Waziristan would also prove successful and peace would be restored in the country.

He said that security situation in Pakistan was not as poor as being painted in foreign countries. He said that economic and social justice as well as provision of basic facilities was of key importance for winning the hearts and minds of the people where military operation had been launched and there was a need for taking solid measures for this purpose.

Referring to co-operation between Punjab government and Holland, the Chief Minister said that there was wide scope of co-operation in education, health, special education, agriculture, livestock, dairy farming and milk processing sectors. He said that Pakistan is the fourth biggest producer of milk in the world and bilateral co-operation could be promoted in milk processing sector. He said that Punjab government was paying special attention to infrastructure development in the province and good governance was being promoted, while solid measures had been taken to root out corruption. He said that the effective measures were taken by the government for elimination of corruption had also been acknowledged by Transparency International in its recent report.

Welcoming the proposal of Dutch Ambassador regarding training of police on modern lines, the Chief Minister directed Secretary Home and Member Provincial Assembly Colonel Shuja Khanzada (Retd) to hold detailed negotiations with the authorities in the Dutch Embassy and evolve a strategy for this purpose.

Dutch Ambassador Joost Reintjes said that Holland and Pakistan have cordial relations and there was a need for promoting trade and economic ties. He said that after coming to Lahore, he has realised that security situation in Pakistan is not as bad as it is being portrayed abroad. He said that Holland would extend co-operation to Punjab for training of police. Later gifts were exchanged. Honorary Consul General of Holland in Pakistan was also present on the occasion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2010