The Nation, Pakistan
GCC FTA Zardari seeks Kuwait’s help
Source: Our Staff Reporter
21 December 2010
ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan has keen interest in concluding a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and seeks Kuwait’s support in this regard.
This, he added, would pave way for increased commercial activity between Pakistan and the Gulf countries. During his meeting with Dr. Abdullah Maatooq Almaatoq, Special Envoy of Amir of the State of Kuwait, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr Monday, the President said that there was immense potential for further enhancing trade equation between Pakistan and Kuwait since the existing volume of bilateral trade was not commensurate with the excellent relations of the two countries.
The President said, "We look forward to the visit of the Amir and the Prime Minister of Kuwait to Pakistan which would not only provide an impetus to strengthening the mutual relations but would also help chalk out future course for expanding the existing level of cooperation." The date for the visit is being worked out by the Foreign Offices of the two countries.
Matters relating to Pakistan-Kuwait bilateral relations and mutual cooperation also came under discussion during the meeting. The President congratulated the Govt of Kuwait and its people on the 50th Independence and 20th Liberation Day Celebrations being held on 25-26 Feb 2011. He said that Pakistani people equally shared the joy of freedom with their Kuwaiti brethren. The President said that Pakistan attached immense importance to its relations with Kuwait and desired to expand cooperation in a number of sectors, especially in economic, commercial, manpower energy and defence areas.
He said that the people of the two countries were tied to each other through their fraternal bonds that gained strength with each passing day. Kuwaiti people have always stood by their Pakistani brethren in every hour of need, the President said. He said "We greatly appreciate Kuwaiti assistance for the people of Pakistan especially during the recent devastating floods which reflects their true feelings for their Pakistani brothers and sisters in distress. We owe special thanks to the Amir of Kuwait for launching a public campaign for collecting funds for the flood-affected people."
The President also appreciated the role of Kuwait Fund for Arab Development in development projects in Pakistan, particularly the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project that would greatly contribute towards overcoming the energy crisis in the country. He said that Kuwait’s active participation in the economic development of Pakistan through a number of development projects reflected its binding interest and confidence in the country’s march to progress.
He also lauded the valuable contributions being made by the Pakistanis in Kuwait and expressed the hope that their contributions would contribute in further strengthening the existing bonds between the two countries and towards development of the country.