Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Iceland, Ossur Sharpheoinsson on the sidelines of the 66th session of United Nations General Assembly, said a press release received here from New York on Saturday.
Both the leaders discussed ways to enhance political and economic relations between the two countries, besides discussing the possibilities for enhancing co-operation in the areas of fisheries and agriculture especially by sharing technology to reduce post-harvest losses, improve quality control services and develop coastal aqua-culture.
The two sides also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian quest for statehood and membership of the United Nations. The Foreign Minister appreciated Iceland's strong and unequivocal support for the Palestinian cause at the UN. The minister also held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Canada, John Baird.
The two foreign ministers discussed the situation in Afghanistan during the meeting. They also discussed ways to enhance trade and economic co-operation between the two countries including possibility for preferential access to Pakistani export products in the Canadian markets. The need for opening Pakistani banking channels in Canada also came under consideration. The Canadian Foreign Minister thanked Pakistan for its unambiguous stance on the fight against terrorism and the sacrifices made by its people to combat this scourge. He also expressed sympathy for the victims of floods in Pakistan and offered all possible help for the affectees. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar thanked her Canadian counterpart for Canada's generous support in the wake of natural disasters in Pakistan. The Foreign Minister held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Egypt Mohamed Kamel Amr.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the existing strong historical, religious and cultural bonds between the two countries. The two sides agreed to further enhance their co-operation at all international fora including the OIC and discussed ways to make the OIC more effective and politically viable.-PR