(2017-06-09) The 15th round of Pakistan-Sweden Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was held in Stockholm yesterday. The Pakistan delegation was led by Ambassador Zaheer A. Janjua, Additional Secretary (Europe), while the Swedish side was led by Ambassador Cecilia Ruthstrom-Ruin, Deputy Director General and Head of Department for Asia and Oceania, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The talks were held in a friendly and frank atmosphere. The two sides reviewed the entirespectrum of bilateral relations and identified opportunities and possibilities for further strengthening cooperation, especially in the spheres of trade and economy, investment, culture, education, IT and telecommunications, science and technology, and parliamentary exchanges.
The two sides deliberated upon the evolving peace and security environments in their respective regions. The Pakistani side briefed the Swedish delegation on Pakistan’s policy of “peaceful neighborhood” and its peace overtures towards India. Indian atrocities and human rights violationsin Jammu and Kashmirwere also highlighted. Ambassador Ruthstrom-Ruin briefed on the current security situation around Sweden and in Europe.
The two sides discussed international issues of mutual interest. The Additional Secretary (Europe) briefed the Swedish side on Pakistan’s credentials for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, while emphasizing the need for a criteria-based, non-discriminatory approach towards new non-NPT member states. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation at the United Nations and other multilateral fora.
Pakistan and Sweden enjoy cordial relations. Pakistan considers Sweden an important country in the Nordic region and the European Union. The consultations provided a useful opportunity totake stock of the overall relations and discuss ways and means to further enhance cooperation in diverse spheres. It was decided that these consultations would be held on a regular basiswith the next round scheduled in Islamabad in 2018.
Islamabad
09 June 2017
