President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan has keen interest in concluding a free trade agreement with the GCC and seeks Kuwait's support in this regard. This, he said, would pave the way for increased commercial activities between Pakistan and the Gulf countries.
During his meeting with Dr Abdullah Maatooq Almaatoq, Special envoy of Amir of the State of Kuwait, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday, the President said that there was immense potential for further enhancing trade between Pakistan and Kuwait since the existing volume of bilateral trade was not commensurate with the excellent relations of the two countries.
The President said that we look forward to the visit of the Amir and the Prime Minister of Kuwait to Pakistan which would not only provide an impetus to strengthening the mutual relations but would also help in chalking out future course for expanding the existing level of co-operation. The date for the visit is being worked out by the Foreign Offices of the two countries. Matters relating to Pakistan-Kuwait bilateral relations and mutual co-operation also came under discussion during the meeting.
The President congratulated Kuwait Government and its people on the 50th Independence and 20th Liberation Day Celebrations being held on 25-26 February 2011. He said that Pakistani people equally share the joy of freedom with their Kuwaiti brethren. The President said that Pakistan attached immense importance to its relations with Kuwait and desires to expand co-operation in a number of sectors especially in economic, commercial, manpower energy and defence.
He said that the people of the two countries are tied to each other through their fraternal bonds that gain strength with each passing day. Kuwaiti people have always stood by their Pakistani brethren the hour of need, the President said. He said that we greatly appreciate Kuwaiti assistance for the people of Pakistan especially during the recent devastating floods which reflects their true feelings for their Pakistani brothers and sisters in distress.
He said that we owe special thanks to the Amir of Kuwait for launching a public campaign to collect funds for the flood affected people. The President also appreciated the role of Kuwait Fund for Arab Development in development projects in Pakistan, particularly the Neelum-Jehlum Hydro Power Project that would greatly contribute towards overcoming the energy crisis, he said.
The President said that Kuwait's active participation in the economic development of Pakistan through a number of projects reflects its binding interest and confidence in the country's march to progress. He also lauded the valuable contributions being made by the Pakistanis in Kuwait and expressed the hope that their contributions would contribute in further strengthening the existing bonds between the two countries and towards development of the country. Dr Abdullah Maatooq Almaatoq thanked the President for the meeting.-PR
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.