Islamabad: Ambassadors-designate of the Kingdom of Norway, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Switzerland presented their credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. The President extended his congratulations to the ambassadors on their new roles and discussed avenues for enhancing bilateral relations, focusing on areas such as economic cooperation, trade, and investment.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari, in his meeting with Sigvald Hauge, the Ambassador-designate of Norway, reiterated Pakistan's dedication to fortifying its longstanding friendly ties with Norway. He acknowledged Norway's support during the 2022 floods in Pakistan and the recent bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on climate cooperation. President Zardari also pointed out potential collaborative efforts in renewable energy, maritime affairs, technology, and trade and investment, and recognized the Pakistani diaspora's role in fostering relations between the two nations.
In discussions with Irfan Shakiroglu Davudov, the Ambassador-designate of Azerbaijan, President Zardari underscored the importance of converting strong political connections into greater trade and investment. He pointed out opportunities for collaboration in energy, regional connectivity, and defense and lauded advancements in defense-industrial cooperation and the positive impact of direct air links on tourism and people-to-people interactions.
During the meeting with Stéphane Laurent Rey, the Ambassador-designate of Switzerland, President Zardari praised Switzerland's efforts in mediation and peace facilitation, notably in the technical talks between the United States and Iran. He highlighted the significance of sustained collaboration for regional peace and identified opportunities in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, IT and cybersecurity, renewable energy, water management, and tourism.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Secretary Foreign Affairs Asim Iftikhar Ahmad were also in attendance during these diplomatic engagements.