Karachi: Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, His Excellency Paulo Miguel Guedes Domingues, called on Acting Governor of Sindh Syed Awais Qadir Shah at the Provincial Assembly of Sindh in Karachi. The meeting focused on bilateral relations between Pakistan and Portugal, parliamentary cooperation, trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchanges, and opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the meeting was also attended by Mr. David Arcao, Political Officer of Portugal; Mr. Amin Fakir, Designated Honorary Consul General in Karachi; Secretary of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh G.M. Umar Farooq; and Director General Media Irfan Ahmed Memon. Welcoming the Portuguese Ambassador, Acting Governor Shah described Karachi as Pakistan's economic hub and a city known for its cultural diversity. He invited the Ambassador to visit other cities of Sindh, particularly Sukkur, and highlighted the province's historical heritage, tourist attractions, and economic potential.
Acting Governor Shah discussed Sindh's historical landmarks, agricultural resources, and natural beauty, stating that visits to different parts of the province would provide an opportunity to better understand the cultural and economic potential of Pakistan and Sindh. He also assured the Ambassador of cooperation and facilitation during his visits to the province.
During the meeting, the contributions of the Sindh Government in the healthcare sector were also discussed, including the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), GIMS, and the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). The Portuguese Ambassador informed the Acting Governor that Portuguese artists would participate in the World Culture Festival in Karachi, supported by the Sindh Culture Department. He identified renewable energy, agriculture, maritime affairs, and development as potential areas of cooperation.
The meeting explored opportunities to enhance trade and investment between Pakistan and Portugal. Mr. Amin Fakir highlighted opportunities to increase Pakistani exports, particularly in basmati rice, fruits, information technology services, and leather products. The Portuguese Ambassador emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts and appreciated the role of the Pakistani community in Portugal.
Cooperation through sports, particularly football, was discussed, with the Portuguese Ambassador expressing interest in sports diplomacy. He mentioned the launch of Pakistan's first FC Porto Dragon Force Football Academy in Sialkot and appreciated Lyari's strong football culture.
Acting Governor Shah proposed establishing a Parliamentary Friendship Group between the Parliament of Portugal and the Provincial Assembly of Sindh to strengthen institutional ties. He assured the Portuguese Ambassador of facilities to promote cooperation and strengthen engagement with the Portuguese diplomatic mission in Sindh. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Acting Governor Shah presented the Portuguese Ambassador with a commemorative shield, books on the history of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, a traditional Sindhi cap, and Ajrak. The Acting Governor accompanied the visiting delegation on a tour of the historic building of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, briefing them on the Assembly's history and parliamentary traditions.