ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Ireland at the “Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC)’ 4th session discussed promoting relations in diverse field including trade, sports, and culture, the Pakistani Foreign Office said on Friday.
Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Muhammad Saleem led the Pakistani delegation, while the Irish side was led by Sonja Hyland of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland.
Ireland Ambassador to Pakistan Sonya McGuiness was also part of the Irish delegation. The two sides reviewed the whole spectrum of bilateral ties.
Pakistan’s commitment to consolidating ties
The Pakistani Additional Secretary highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to further consolidating and broadening relations with Ireland in the sectors of trade, culture, sports, science and technology, academic exchanges, harmonization of visa regime and migration and mobility.
Commending Ireland’s decision to open its Embassy in Islamabad, Ambassador Muhammad Saleem underlined that it would be a key milestone in Pakistan-Ireland ties.
The Pakistan embassy in Dublin and the Irish Embassy in Islamabad have important roles to play in boosting bilateral relations and promoting people-to-people contacts, especially in facilitating Pakistani students and businessmen.
The two sides also exchanged views on collaboration at world forums, including at the United Nations (UN). They agreed on important issues and pledged to continue cooperation at the multilateral fora.
Regional and global matters of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.
Both sides also agreed for regular bilateral political consultations and engagement. –APP
