Pakistan, GCC agree to early conclusion of FTA negotiations
DAVOS
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed the resolve to deepen mutual cooperation in all fields including economy, trade and investment as well as at multilateral fora.
This resolve was expressed at a meeting between Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Saudi Counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.
Noting the commonality of views between the two sides on international issues, the two foreign ministers agreed to jointly explore avenues for improving collaboration and coordination amongst developing countries including through the OIC platform. The two foreign ministers reviewed various aspects of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari underlined that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have historic and deep-rooted fraternal ties which have stood the test of time. He appreciated consistent support of the kingdom to Pakistan and its steadfast solidarity on the Kashmir cause.
The foreign minister paid tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for achieving new heights of progress and development of the Kingdom under their visionary leadership.
Recalling their earlier interaction in Jeddah last month, the two ministers expressed satisfaction over the excellent bilateral partnership between the two countries and resolved to strengthen this partnership to mutual benefit.
Separately, Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have agreed to explore further avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and economic ties as well as strengthen institutional linkages in line with the Joint Action Plan for Strategic Dialogue.
The understanding to this effect reached during the meeting between Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Dr Nayef Falah M Al-Hajraf on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.
The foreign minister and the secretary general reviewed the status of Pakistan’s cooperation with GCC and its member states.
Recalling the historical linkages, geographical proximity and cultural affinities between Pakistan and the GCC, the foreign minister underscored that Pakistan attached high importance to its fraternal relations with member states of the GCC, both bilaterally and in the context of the GCC.
On the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the two sides expressed determination to conclude the negotiations at the earliest possible.
Pakistan and the GCC enjoy long-standing cordial relations as Pakistan’s relations with the Member States of the GCC are rooted firmly in shared faith, values and culture.
Minister of State on Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Minister of Climate Change Sherry Rehman were also present during both the meetings.
