President receives credentials from envoys of six countries

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday received credentials from envoys of six countries and discussed strengthening and expanding bilateral relations, as well as advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Ambassadors-designate of the Republic of Cuba, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Portuguese Republic, Kingdom of Spain, and United Republic of Tanzania, as well as the High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Singapore, presented their credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.

The President felicitated the envoys on the commencement of their diplomatic responsibilities in Pakistan and conveyed his best wishes for a productive tenure. He expressed the hope that their assignments would contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

During his interaction with Ambassador-designate of Cuba, Damian Cordero Torres, the President reaffirmed the longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries. He appreciated Cuba’s support in healthcare and education, including medical scholarships, and emphasised the potential for cooperation in health, biotechnology, and tourism, as well as continued collaboration at multilateral forums. The President also conveyed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for Cuba’s support during the 2005 earthquake, noting that this humanitarian assistance remains a lasting symbol of solidarity between the two nations.

In his meeting with Ambassador-designate of Ethiopia, Dr Oumer Hussein Oba, the President welcomed the opening of Ethiopia’s Embassy in Islamabad and the resumption of direct flights. He noted the growing engagement between the two countries and emphasised the need to expand cooperation in trade, aviation, education, and technology.

In his meeting with Ambassador-designate of Portugal, H E Paulo Miguel Guedes Domingues, the President underlined the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with Portugal, both bilaterally and within the European Union framework. He noted the upward trajectory in trade and emphasised the need to expand cooperation in trade, investment, IT, agriculture, and blue economy, while also highlighting the role of the Pakistani diaspora and prospects for labour mobility and academic exchanges.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026