ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Friday discussed ways to strengthen Pakistan-Lebanon relations through enhanced cooperation in trade, education, tourism, sports and people-to-people exchanges.
During a meeting with Ambassador of Lebanon to Pakistan Abdulaziz Issa, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s export potential in pharmaceuticals, textiles, rice, cement, construction materials and light engineering products, a news release said.
He proposed organizing Pakistani trade exhibitions in Lebanon and facilitating reciprocal business delegations to explore new trade and investment opportunities.
Emphasizing education as a key area of bilateral cooperation, Ahsan Iqbal proposed semester-long student exchange programmes between Pakistani and Lebanese universities, with mutual recognition of academic credits.
He also offered to facilitate engagement with Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) to promote university partnerships and academic collaboration.
The minister stressed the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties through tourism, cultural exchanges and sports.
He proposed exchanges of football, basketball and volleyball teams to promote sporting cooperation and provide athletes with international exposure.
Ambassador Abdulaziz Issa briefed the minister on the situation in Lebanon, noting that conditions had improved in several areas.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting peace in the Middle East.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral engagement and exploring practical initiatives to deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
