Bilateral Consultation between Pakistan and Switzerland

(2012-05-21)

The Seventh Round of Bilateral Consultations between Pakistan and Switzerland was held in Islamabad on 21 May 2012. The Swiss delegation was headed by Ambassador Beat Nobs, Assistant State Secretary (Asia-Pacific) at the Swiss Foreign office. The Pakistan side was led by Ms. Ayesha Riyaz, Additional Secretary Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two sides discussed the broad range of Pakistan-Switzerland relations including bilateral trade, investment, development assistance, and cooperation in the education sector. Views were also exchanged on international issues of mutual interest, including Afghanistan. They expressed their satisfaction at the current state of bilateral cooperation and reiterated their desire to further expand and diversify their mutually beneficially relations. They particularly welcomed the progress the two sides had made on the Free Trade Agreement with EFTA countries.

Later, the Swiss delegation also called on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan. The State Minister welcomed the Swiss delegation and briefed them on the role Pakistan was playing in campaign against extremism and terrorism, and the tremendous sacrifices Pakistan had made both in terms of human and material losses. The delegation was informed that regional stability would remain elusive without a stable Afghanistan and that the situation could only be improved through an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue.

Earlier, the Swiss delegation also visited Peshawar, Charsadda, Attock and Jalozai Camp and also met with the KPK Governor and Chief Minster.

Islamabad
21 May 2012

113/2012