Pakistan, Portugal discuss ways to strengthen ties in diverse areas

ISLAMABAD, Jul 16 (APP): Pakistan and Portugal on Thursday reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen political engagement and cooperation in trade and investment, labour mobility, agriculture, renewable energy, information technology, education, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

During the fourth round of the delegation level Pakistan–Portugal Bilateral Political Consultations held here, the two sides also discussed opportunities for greater business-to-business engagement, port connectivity, and cooperation in olive cultivation and processing.

The Pakistan delegation was led by Ambassador Ayesha Ali, Additional Secretary (Europe), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Portuguese delegation was headed by Ambassador Helena Malcata, Director-General for Foreign Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments and expressed satisfaction with their coordination in multilateral forums.

During the visit, the Portuguese delegation also called on the Foreign Secretary, and exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The consultations were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, a press statement issued by the Foreign Office Spokesperson said.

During the consultations, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regular political dialogue and to further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. Both also agreed to hold the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Lisbon on mutually agreed dates.