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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Singapore on Thursday renewed their firm desire and determination to further consolidate and strengthen their cooperation in various fields in line with their common goals of peace and development.
The two sides held Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) in virtual format, during which the Pakistani side also invited Singaporean companies to explore emerging investment opportunities in Pakistan in sectors such as digital economy, Fintech and agribusiness, in addition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) and Ng Teck Hean, Assistant Secretary, Asia-Pacific and South East Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore led their respective delegations.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the full range of bilateral relations – covering cooperation in political, economic, defense and security, academic, scientific and technological, technical training, environment, culture and tourism – was discussed.
Welcoming the steady progress of multidimensional bilateral relations over the years, based on mutual trust and understanding, the two sides renewed their firm desire and determination to further consolidate and strengthen cooperation in various fields in accordance with their objectives. common peace and development.
They noted the importance of regular interaction and dialogue within the framework of existing mechanisms and the exchange of high-level visits to give new impetus to the relationship.
The Additional Secretary (AP) highlighted Pakistan’s focus on geo-economy by leveraging peace and security, development partnerships and connectivity. He stressed the importance of translating the long-standing friendship and political goodwill between Pakistan and Singapore into mutually beneficial substantial economic relations with emphasis on trade and investment, connectivity and development cooperation. , as the two countries are gateways to their respective regions.
He also thanked the Singapore government for the generous donations from the Temasek Foundation to help Pakistan’s response to Covid-19 in the first phase of the pandemic. The Deputy Secretary said Singapore is looking forward to expanding cooperation in existing and new areas of mutual interest, and enhancing bilateral exchanges, especially high-level visits.
Both sides also noted the complementarities and potential of trade in services. Singaporean companies have been invited to explore emerging investment opportunities in Pakistan in sectors such as digital economy, fintech and agribusiness, in addition to CPEC-related SEZs.
In the context of the regional situation, the Additional Secretary (AP) shared Pakistan’s perspective on Afghanistan and the imperative of a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict for regional peace and stability .
“The two sides also exchanged views on ASEAN and Pakistan’s comprehensive dialogue partnership. It was also agreed to continue close cooperation in the multilateral arena, including at the United Nations,” he added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2022
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