- Gilani, Portuguese Ambassador Discuss Trade, Investment, Parliamentary Ties and People-to-People Contacts
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez called on Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at his residence in Ministers’ Enclave, Islamabad, where the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to further expand cooperation in trade, investment, parliamentary affairs and people-to-people exchanges.
Focus on Expanding Economic Cooperation
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding and friendly relations with Portugal and expressed the country’s desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, information technology, education, culture and the blue economy.
Highlighting the positive trajectory of bilateral trade, Gilani said there was considerable potential to expand economic relations by exploring new areas of cooperation and investment.
He invited Portuguese companies and investors to explore Pakistan’s growing economic and business opportunities and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.
Parliamentary Diplomacy as a Tool for Regional Cooperation
The Chairman Senate underscored the important role of parliamentary diplomacy and inter-parliamentary forums in promoting dialogue and cooperation among nations.
He highlighted the significance of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) as an important platform for advancing peace, security and sustainable development in the region.
Pakistani Community in Portugal a Vital Bridge
Gilani appreciated the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community in Portugal, noting that approximately 50,000 Pakistanis live and work in the country.
He described the Pakistani diaspora as an important bridge between the two nations and emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in labour mobility and human resource development.
The Chairman Senate expressed hope for the early conclusion of the Agreement on Labour Mobility Partnership, saying that it would provide an effective framework for expanding cooperation and creating greater opportunities for skilled workers.
Strengthening Educational and Academic Links
Gilani also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between Pakistani and Portuguese universities, particularly through student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research initiatives and academic partnerships.
He said stronger educational linkages would contribute to greater mutual understanding and create new opportunities for young people in both countries.
Portugal’s Support for Pakistan’s GSP Plus Status Appreciated
The Chairman Senate appreciated Portugal’s continued support for Pakistan’s GSP Plus status and expressed the hope that enhanced high-level exchanges and regular bilateral consultations would further consolidate relations between Islamabad and Lisbon.
Portugal Expresses Interest in Stronger Economic Partnership
Ambassador Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez thanked Chairman Senate Gilani for the warm welcome and expressed Portugal’s keen interest in further strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan, particularly in the areas of trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Renewed Commitment to Stronger Pakistan-Portugal Ties
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close engagement and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation across diverse fields, with a shared objective of further strengthening the longstanding and friendly Pakistan-Portugal partnership.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
