Pakistan, Portugal eye closer ties across multiple fronts

ISLAMABAD –Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly, observed on Wednesday that Pakistan and Portugal have a multidimensional and friendly relationship based on shared interests and a common attitude on several regional and international issues.

“It is high time to strengthen political, cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties between the two countries,” the speaker stated during a meeting with Portuguese Envoy to Pakistan Manuel Frederico Pinheiro Da Silva, who invited him.

According to a press statement, the two sides met to address a variety of bilateral, regional, and global concerns. They expressed satisfaction with the current status of bilateral ties and underlined their determination to broaden and diversify mutually beneficial collaboration.

While discussing parliamentary connections, the speaker emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties, notably by expanding collaboration among parliamentary friendship groups and exchanging parliamentary delegations.

He also discussed inviting his Portuguese colleague to visit Pakistan, along with a parliamentary delegation.

Discussing trade and economic relations, the speaker stated that Pakistan has taken decisive steps to create a suitable environment for commercial and trade operations, offering friendly countries with significant investment prospects and benefits.

The speaker also mentioned that Pakistan has numerous tourism opportunities, particularly its rich Buddhist legacy, which might be a catalyst for greater ties between the two countries.

The ambassador thanked the speaker for his nice words and emphasized that Portugal saw Pakistan as an essential regional stakeholder.

He indicated a desire to enhance ties in areas of mutual interest, as well as promote parliamentary and cultural exchanges.