Adviser Sartaj Aziz meets Foreign Ministers of Thailand, Iran and Nepal

During his visit to Bangkok for the 14th Ministerial Meeting of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Mr Sartaj Aziz held a meeting with Mr Don Pramudwinai, Foreign Minister of Thailand Friday. Earlier on the sidelines of the ACD meeting, the Adviser also held separate meetings with Muhammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Minister of Iran and Mr Kamal Thapa, Foreign Minister of Nepal.

In the meeting with Foreign Minister Mr Pramudwinai at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Adviser appreciated Thailand’s active role in the ACD and discussed ways to carry the process forward. He informed his Thai counterpart that Pakistan was already working on various regional connectivity projects in the region. Discussing bilateral relations, the Adviser noted that Pakistan and Thailand enjoyed close and cordial relations which could be expanded in various fields especially in the education sector. The adviser briefed on the improved law and order situation in Pakistan as a result of governments comprehensive National Action Plan; it also offered the potential to expand bilateral economic relations.

The Thai Foreign Minister agreed that bilateral cooperation could be further augmented by focusing on specific areas.

In his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif on the sidelines of the ACD, the Adviser noted the historic and brotherly relations existing between Pakistan and Iran which needed to be further strengthened in all spheres of cooperation especially trade and economy. Pakistan was therefore looking forward to the forthcoming visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan. Other issues of international and regional importance were also discussed during the meeting. In view of the challenges in the region, the Adviser underscored the need for strengthening the unity of the Islamic Ummah.

The Iranian Foreign Minister noted that bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran were expanding in all areas of mutual interest. He appreciated Pakistan’s role and efforts din the fight against terrorism and its contribution to the Afghan reconciliation process.

In the Adviser’s meeting with Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa of Nepal, a wide range of areas of common interest including bilateral political, trade and economic ties were discussed. They also reviewd the regional situation. The adviser said he looked forward to visiting Nepal for the SAARC Ministerial meeting next week.

Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi and Dr Sohail Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand accompanied the Adviser during these meetings.

Bangkok
11 March 2016

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