Global and Regional Issues

2. The former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif met Karlheinz Kopf, the Second President of the National Council of Austria on 26 November 2016 in Ashgabat on the side lines of Global Sustainable Transport Conference. The former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi met Federal Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz in China’s Hainan province on the sidelines of BOAO Forum for Asia on 10 April 2018 and invited Chancellor Kurz to visit Pakistan. President AJK Sardar Masood Khan during his visit to Vienna from 27-31 May 2018 had useful interaction with Austrian think-tanks and emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir dispute can be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy within the framework of the United Nations.

3. The two sides hold regular Bilateral Political Consultations. The 4^th round of Pakistan-Austria Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Vienna on 28 March 2019. The two sides discussed the entire spectrum of relations including, political, economic, trade and investment, education and people-to-people contacts.

4. The total bilateral trade in 2019 (Jan-Sep) was Euro 371.025 million. Pakistan’s exports to Austria were recorded at Euro 261.549 million and Pakistan’s imports from Austria were recorded at Euro 109.476 million.

5. Pakistan major exports to Austria have traditionally been cotton yarn and related products, leather and leather products, carpets, clothing surgical and sports goods. We also export smaller quantities of knitwear, iron ore, suitcases, bags and shoes, hand tools, fruits etc. Imports consist of chemicals, machinery and its components, spare parts, petroleum products, dairy and other food items. Over 200 Austrian companies export their products regularly to Pakistan. The vast majority of Austrian companies, however, are small and middle-sized. Because of capacity constraints, these companies are focused on the surrounding region and EU. Similarly, for import of goods, Austrian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have a preference for Germany and the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region.


6. Several Austrian firms have brought investments to Pakistan, including, OMV. OMV is the largest Austrian oil and gas exploration, processing and marketing firm in Pakistan. It established its office in Islamabad in 1991. OMV is also the largest international investor in the energy sector in Pakistan with total investments of over 2.5 billion US dollars including joint ventures.


7. Technischer Überwachungs-Verein (TÜV), a 145-year old company, has a “Bureau of Inspection & Certification” in Lahore with a branch office in Karachi. It also has 49 percent shares in Moody International Pakistan. TÜV is involved in certification, inspection and training provisions of industry, energy, infrastructure, and transportation, which play an important role in increasing Pakistan’s exports, particularly to Europe, USA, Far East Asia and the Middle East.

8. There are about 40 Pakistani students in various universities of Austria. Pakistani students have left a very positive impression in their universities and faculties through their hard work. The KPK Government is working on a project worth of US$ 90 million to establish an institute in Haripur in collaboration with six universities of Austria. The institute is expected to have various polytechnic departments and the degrees will be awarded by the Austrian Universities for respective disciplines.

9. There are approximately 10,000 Pakistanis living in Austria. Major concentrations of Pakistanis in Austria are in Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria.

• 2016– Former PM Muhammad Nawaz Sharif paid an official visit to Azerbaijan from 13-15 October 2016.


• 2015-President Mamnoon Hussain visited Azerbaijan from 11-14 March, 2015.

• 2017-Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan visited Islamabad to participate in the 13th ECO Summit held on 1 March 2017.

• Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Bahrain on 16 December 2019, to attend the National day celebrations of Bahrain as Guest of Honor.
• Former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Bahrain in January 2015.
• Former President Asif Ali Zardari visited Bahrain on in August 2011.
• Chairman Senate along with a delegation visited Bahrain from 19-21 February 2020.

• HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa visited Pakistan in March 2014.
• The Prime Minister of Bahrain Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa visited Pakistan in June 2005
• Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Mohammed Al Khalifa visited Pakistan in February 2017 and April 2019.
• HRH General Shaikh Mohammed Bin Isa Al Khalifa, Commander Bahrain National Guard visited Pakistan in January 2017 and March 2019.

2. Bilateral relations developed at an accelerated pace in last few years with high-level exchanges. President Lukashenko visited Pakistan twice (from 28-29 May 2015 and 04-06 October 2016) and Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov paid an official visit to Pakistan from 9-11 November 2015. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Belarus from 10-12 August 2015. A meeting was held on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on 14 May 2017 between the Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Alexander Lukashenko.


3. Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on the sidelines of SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek in June 2019.

4. Pakistan and Belarus have developed several institutional mechanisms for cooperation in diverse fields. The two countries hold Annual Political Consultations at the Additional Secretary/Deputy Foreign Minister level to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relationship. The latest (fourth) round was held in Islamabad on 26 November 2019.


5. Pursuant to the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation of May 1997, the two countries have established a Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JEC) at Ministerial level. It held its fifth meeting in Grodno from 15-16 November 2017.


6. Other institutional mechanisms include: (i) Joint Commission on Science and Technology (JCST); (ii) Joint Working Group on Industrial Cooperation; and (iii) Joint Working Group on Agricultural Cooperation. A Joint Working Group on Healthcare and Pharmaceutics has been established. An Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Technical Cooperation has also been established, which has held two sessions.


7. The two sides have established inter-parliamentary linkages in the form of friendship groups in their respective parliaments. A Joint Business Council (JBC) has also been established, which has held three sessions so far; first in Islamabad in May 2015, second in Minsk in August 2015; and third in Karachi on 11 March 2016.

8. The bilateral trade in 2018 amounted to US $ 49.90 million. Pakistan’s exports to Belarus were US $ 13.48 million, while imports stood at US $ 36.42 million. The balance of trade has remained in favour of Belarus during the last eight years.


9. Pakistan’s major items of export to Belarus include cereals, textiles, articles of apparel, fruits and vegetables, and pharmaceuticals. Major items of import from Belarus include petroleum, tractors, machinery and auto parts, and synthetic fiber.


10. Given the Belarusian expertise in building of heavy machinery and equipment, and the consequent opportunity it offers to Pakistani entrepreneurs, the two sides are closely collaborating to establish joint production ventures of automotive engineering, agricultural harvesting machinery, road construction machinery, dump trucks etc.

11. Pakistan and Belarus have signed 19 agreements/MoUs in the field educational cooperation, including an MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Vocational Education, signed on 5 October 2016. In addition, several MoUs have been signed between universities/institutes and seven additional agreements are under process. Areas of cooperation include mutual recognition of degrees/certificates, admissions in respective universities, establishment of language training facilities, exchange of researchers, teachers and student, joint research, vocational training and skills development.

12. Pakistan and Belarus have signed an Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation and 3 MoUs in the sphere of scientific and technological cooperation. Areas of collaboration include long term cooperation between Science and Technology organizations in research and development, procedures as well as financing.

13. The two sides have so far signed 9 Agreement/MoUs each in the field of culture, information and media, and inter-regional cooperation (among respective provinces). Pursuant to the agreements/MoUs on cultural cooperation, the Belarusian side has established a Culture and Information Centre at the National Library of Pakistan in Islamabad while the Pakistan side is yet to establish the Centre in Minks due to funding issues.

2. Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce, travelled to Brussels, as part of Pakistan’s high-level lobbying efforts to secure its GSP Plus. The Advisor to the Prime Minister met several MEPs, including leaders of political groups and Chairs/Vice Chairs of the European Parliament, and key officials of the European Union, including Special Representative of the European Union on Human Rights, Mr. Eamon Gilmore

3. A Belgium-Pakistan Friendship Group exists in the Belgian Federal Parliament. The National Assembly of Pakistan also has a Parliamentary Friendhsip Group with Belgium, with the Speaker National Assembly as its president. Chairman, Senate of Pakistan has constituted a similar group in the Senate.

4. A three-member delegation from Senate of Pakistan, comprising Senators Faisal Javed, Senator Najma Hameed and Senator Sardar Shafiq Tareen visited Brussels from 27-29 September 2018, for attending10th Asia-Europe parliamentary meeting. Availing this opportunity, they also interacted with Pakistani community and listened to their problems.

5. An agreement for establishment of Joint Commission (JC) on economic cooperation was signed between the Government of Pakistan and Belgium in November 1986. So far four sessions of the JC have been held (the last session was held in Brussels in July 2006 after a gap of twelve years). During the 4th session Pakistan delegation was led by Mr. Khalid Saeed, Secretary EAD.

6. Belgium, though small in size, has made full capital of its location at the crossroads of Europe. It has a highly developed transport network, and a diversified industrial and commercial base.

7. Belgium is the seventh largest European importer of Pakistani goods, after Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands. The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Belgium was over €877 million for 2018. The bilateral trade for the first 9 months of 2019 stood at Euros 638.36 million.

8. A Memorandum of Understanding between Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Belgian Regional Trade Promotion Agencies was signed in February 2019.

9. The Pakistani community in Belgium is estimated at around fifteen thousand, a majority having become Belgian nationals through naturalization. As per the latest available figures, there are 6411 legal residents of Pakistan in Belgium. A few from the second generation of Pakistanis have entered professions like medicine, law, banking and IT. However, most of them are engaged in small businesses.

10. Moreover, at present approximately 200 students from Pakistan are studying at various educational institutions in Belgium. Most of them are enrolled in Masters and PhD programmes in technical disciplines, including engineering and computer sciences.

11. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with his Belgian counterpart, Didier Reynders on August 27, 2019. During the call, Foreign Minister Qureshi apprised him about the steps taken by Indian government to change the disputed status of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and its demographic structure. He added that these steps were in contravention of the UNSC resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and the International Law. Foreign Minister Qureshi also underscored that India has progressively reneged on its commitments to the Security Council, other states Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

12. The President of AJK visited Brussels and addressed a conference on Kashmir at the European Parliament, organized by the Friends of Kashmir Group in the European Parliament on 13 September 2019. He called on the international community to take firm actions to check unprecedented violations of human rights in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.

2. Prime Minister Imran Khan met with President Sefik Dzaferovic of Bosnia on the sidelines of 14^th OIC Summit in Makkah in May 2019. During the meeting, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to the President of Bosnia to visit Pakistan. The President of Bosnia accepted the invitation.

3. The inaugural session of Pakistan-Bosnia and Herzegovina Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was held in Sarajevo on 8 December 2016. The Pakistan delegation was led by Ambassador Zaheer A. Janjua, Additional Secretary (Europe), while the Bosnian side was led by Mr. Amer Kapetanovic, Assistant Minister for Bilateral Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

4. According to statistics from Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the total bilateral trade in 2018 was US$ 1.66 million. Major exports of Bosnia include metals, clothing and wood products. Major imports include machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, and foodstuffs.

5. Pakistan has been extending various credit facilities and financial assistance to Bosnia in the past. Such as Pakistan extended a loan of US$ 20 million to Bosnia in 1992 as export credit. This loan was written off in June 2005. Pakistan also provided a piece of land for construction of the Bosnian Embassy in Islamabad. US$ 1 million was given by Pakistan to help the flood victims in 2014. A plane load of relief goods was also sent to Bosnia.

6. The two sides are cooperating through exchange of high level visits, official delegations, offers of seats in training courses and contracts for defence related products.

7. Pakistan and Bosnia have been pursuing educational and cultural cooperation. An Iqbal Chair has been set up at the University of Sarajevo. The focus of educational cooperation is on exchange of students & faculty members and acquiring foreign funded research projects. NUST and Sarajevo University have also exchanged visits and are developing cooperation in engineering field. Delegation of the Sarajevo University led by its Rector visited Pakistan in February, 2014 in response to the NUST’s delegation’s visit to Sarajevo in September, 2013.

8. There is a very small Pakistani community in Bosnia and Herzegovina of around twenty to thirty Pakistanis. Most of them are married to Bosnian woman and have acquired Bosnian nationality. Some of them have their own small business set ups.

2. There are three Honorary Consulates of Bulgaria in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. In 2015, both countries commemorated the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations during which Bulgaria issued a post card to mark the occasion.

3. There have been no high-level visits of Head of State or Head of Government from Pakistan. The former Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov visited Pakistan in January 2011. During the visit, Agreement on Economic Cooperation was signed between the two sides.

4. A Pakistan-Bulgaria Parliamentary Friendship Group was established in Bulgaria’s National Assembly in 2009. A similar group was established in our National Assembly in 2010. The Bulgarian side had invited its Pakistani counterparts to Bulgaria in October 2016 and November 2017. The visits, however, could not take place.

5. The inaugural session of the BPC was held in Sofia on 7 April 2008. The last round was held in Sofia from 7-8 December 2017. The whole gamut of bilateral ties was discussed from the political, cultural, defence, economic and trade spheres. The 4^th Round of the BPC was held in Islamabad on 5 November 2019.

6. Pakistan-Bulgaria trade has traditionally remained low mainly because Bulgaria’s foreign trade is limited to a few markets, primarily EU, Russia and China. The total bilateral trade in 2018 was US$ 34.2 million. Pakistan’s exports were US$ 20.8 million while imports from Bulgaria were US$ 13.4 million.

7. The inaugural session of Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) was held in Sofia from 22-23 June 2015. Mr. Lyuben Petrov, Deputy Minister of Economy of Bulgaria and Mr. Omar Hamid Khan, Additional Secretary, EAD led their respective delegations.


8. The second session of Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) was held in Islamabad from 21-22 May 2019. The session provided an important opportunity to review the existing cooperation in economic and trade fields and explore new areas of cooperation. The two sides also signed Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation.

9. Inaugural session of Pakistan-Bulgaria Business Forum was held in Sofia on 22 June 2015. Businessmen from Pakistan and Bulgaria, along with officials from the Ministry of Economy, BSEMPA and Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce attended the opening ceremony. Later, B-to-B meetings were held between the businessmen.

10. An MoU between Government College University Lahore and Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski was concluded in 2017. This was followed by signing of collaboration agreements between Trakia University Stara Zagora and University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore; National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and South-West University Neofit Rilksi, Sofia; and Agriculture University of Plovdiv and University of Agriculture Faisalabad.


11. There are approximately 22 Pakistani students studying at various Bulgarian academic institutions.

12. The Pakistani community in Bulgaria is approximately 80 individuals. These include Pakistanis who have married Bulgarian nationals and are engaged in white-collar professions, especially in the IT sector.

Pakistan and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947. Both countries have resident Missions in each other’s capitals. The ties between the two countries are based on strong foundation of friendship and cooperation. In the early years of establishment of relationship, Canada contributed significantly to the economic development of Pakistan.

2.  Pakistan’s exports to Canada valued over US$ 284.7 million. Canada’s exports to Pakistan were around US$ 489.3 million.

3.  There are separate Pakistan-Canada Friendship Groups in the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan. Similarly, the Parliament of Canada has a Canada-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group.

4.  A strong Pakistani community of around 400,000 is living in Canada and contributing to the economic and social life of the diverse Canadian society. Many Canadians of Pakistani origin are also participating in the political activities.  

5.  A large number of Pakistani students (around 4000) are also studying in Canada. The Canadian Government has included Pakistan in the Student Direct Stream program (SDS) through which Pakistani students can get the Canadian study visa on fast track basis. SDS offers immense opportunities for the aspiring students to get enrollment in the Canadian educational institutions with better chances for immigration to Canada. 

PAKISTAN AND CHINA DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

Pakistan and China established diplomatic relations on 21 May 1951.

This relationship has built on the strength of its successive achievements, and has become formidable with each passing day and year. The leadership of both countries is committed to taking this relationship forward.

To understand the depth of this unique relationship, here is a glimpse of the milestones reached over the years:

Milestones / Key Developments:

Pakistan and China enjoy close and friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1951. Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognized the People’s Republic of China. Over the years, the relationship has blossomed into an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership”. Pakistan considers China as one of its closest friend and partner and China considers Pakistan as its “Iron Brother”.

The bilateral relationship between the two neighboring countries is characterized by feelings of mutual trust, respect and goodwill towards each other. There is a regular exchange of visits at the highest level between the two countries. The strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China has grown over the past several decades.

Economically, China is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a major investor, especially in infrastructure and energy sector. During 2018, bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$ 18 billion. With the official launch of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the bilateral relationship has been elevated to a higher level. CPEC is a flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s initiative of “One Road and One Belt”. It aims at enhancing connectivity and improving infrastructure between Pakistan and China. Several projects are being implemented under CPEC, for enhancement of infrastructure and generation of energy. People-to-people contacts are an important aspect of the bilateral relationship. The year of 2015 was celebrated as the Year of Friendly Exchanges between Pakistan and China and several high profile events were organized including seminars, exchange of visits and cultural events to highlight people-to-people interactions.

High Level Visits:

High Level visits are the hallmark of China-Pakistan bilateral relations.

President’s Visit to China (16-17 March 2020):

At the invitation of H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Dr. Arif Alvi, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, visited China from 16-17 March 2020. The President was accompanied by the Foreign Minister, Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, and senior officials. During the visit, the President met with President Xi Jinping. Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman National People’s Congress, Li Zhanshu, also met President Dr. Arif Alvi.

His maiden visit to Beijing was a singular expression of Pakistan’s solidarity with its “iron brother.” The visit was undertaken at a time while China was engaged in a massive national struggle to contain the Covid-19. Leaders of the two countries took the opportunity to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. Both leaders witnessed signing of various Agreements/MoUs during the visit. At the conclusion of the visit, a Joint statement was also issued.

Prime Minister’s Visit to China (7-9 October 2019):

Prime Minister Imran Khan visited China from 7-9 October 2019 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. During the visit, the Prime Minister met with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman NPC Li Zhanshu. The Prime Minister was a Chief Guest at the Beijing International Horticulture Expo-2019 along-with Premier Li Keqiang. In addition, the Prime Minister also met with CEOs/Heads of leading Chinese enterprises. Both sides signed a number of MoUs/Agreements. It was Prime Minister Imran Khan’s third visit to China since assuming office in August 2018.

Chinese Vice President’s Visit to Pakistan (26-28 May 2019):

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan visited Pakistan from 26-28 May 2019. He called on the President and held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister. During the visit, the Nishan-e-Pakistan was conferred upon the Vice President in a special investiture ceremony. Moreover, several MoUs and projects were signed and inaugurated. The Vice President also visited Lahore, where he met with Chief Minister Punjab and Governor Punjab. The Vice President also toured Pakistan’s cultural sites, including Taxila Museum, Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque.

Prime Minister’s Visit to China (25-28 April 2019):

The Prime Minister visited China from 25-28 April 2019 to participate in the 2^nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. He delivered a speech at the Opening Ceremony of BRF on 26 April and participated in the Leaders Roundtable on 27 April. During the visit, the Prime Minister held meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in which the entire range of bilateral relationship, including implementation of Phase-II of CPEC, was discussed. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Both sides also discussed important regional and international issues, including peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and peace and stability in South Asia, and agreed to deepen cooperation at the multilateral fora. The Prime Minister attended a Pakistan Business and Investment Forum attended by leading businessmen of Pakistan and China. 14 B2B agreements were also signed. He also attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing International Horticulture Exhibition. During the visit, 7 new MoUs were signed on a range of bilateral issues, including the Second Phase of Pakistan-China FTA, Completion of Preliminary Design of ML-1, Rashakai SEZ Joint Venture, Socio-Economic Cooperation, Economic and Technical Cooperation and Cooperation in Marine Sciences.

Prime Minister’s Visit to China (2-5 November 2018):

Prime Minister Imran Khan had paid his first official visit to China on 2-5 November 2018. In Beijing, he had met with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, Chairman Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), Li Zhanshu and Vice President Wang Qishan. He had also met with Minister of International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Song Tao, Chairman of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and had interactions with leading corporate leaders of China. In Shanghai, the Prime Minister had attended the opening ceremony of the 1st China International Import Expo (CIIE).

The two sides reached a number of important understandings and long-term consensus, reiterated strong commitment to bilateral relations and the leaders developed good rapport for future cooperation. During the visit, two sides had signed fifteen (15) agreements/MoUs on a range of bilateral issues, including transfer of sentenced persons, poverty reduction, agriculture, socio-economic development, and cooperation in combating illicit traffic in drugs.

Other Visits:

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif paid an official visit to Zhengzhou from 14-15 December 2015, to participate in the SCO Summit. During the visit, he met with Premier Li Keqiang. President Mamnoon Hussain visited Wuzhen from 16-18 December 2015, to participate in the 2nd World Internet Conference. During the visit he met with President Xi Jinping on 16 December.

On the invitation of Chinese leadership, President Mamnoon Hussain paid an official visit to China from 1-4 September, 2015, to participate in the commemoration ceremony of the 70^th Anniversary of China’s victory in World War II. During the visit, delegation level talks were held with President Xi Jinping and Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a historic State visit to Pakistan from 20-21 April 2015. During the visit, it was agreed to intensify cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. China pledged to invest US$46 billion in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors in Pakistan. President Xi was also awarded Pakistan’s highest civil award of ‘Nishan-e- Pakistan’ during the visit.

On the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif paid an official visit to Beijing from 7-8 November 2014 to participate in the “Dialogue on Strengthening Connectivity Partnership” during the 22nd APEC Summit. Prime Minister Sharif endorsed President Xi’s vision on regional connectivity and infrastructure development, stressing that Asia would need to strengthen both to excel in international arena.

President Mamnoon Hussain visited Shanghai from 19-22 May 2014, to attend the 4th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). Pakistan’s participation in the CICA Summit at the highest political level sealed its endorsement of the vision of Asian collective security based on cooperation and dialogue.

President Mamnoon Hussain paid an official visit to China from 18-21 February 2014. The second Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting on Economic Corridor Project (ECP) was held on the sidelines of the President’s visit.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif paid an official visit to China from 3-8 July 2013. This was Prime Minister’s first overseas visit after assuming office in June 2013. During the visit, the two sides concluded the MoU on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Premier Li Keqiang paid an official visit to Pakistan from 22-23 May 2013. It was the first visit of Premier Li Keqiang abroad after assuming office.

Other High Level Visits:

From Pakistan side, the other recent high-level exchanges include the meeting of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi with State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, in August 2019 and on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in May 2019. Earlier, the Foreign Minister had met with Wang Yi when he visited Beijing in March 2019 for the first session of Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue and later when he was in Beijing for the 2^nd Belt and Road Forum in April 2019. The Foreign Minister also participated in Political Parties’ Dialogue between PTI and CPC and Political Parties Forum on CPEC. He also met Vice President Wang Qishan and Minister for IDCPC, Mr. Song Tao. Foreign Minister had earlier visited Beijing on 25 December 2018.

Former Foreign Secretary visited China on 8-11 April 2019 to formally launch the JWG on International Cooperation. The Foreign Secretary also met with Vice Minister Le Yucheng and Mr. Yang Jiechi, Director Foreign Affairs Commission of CPC. Bilateral ties between the two countries; Prime Minister’s visit to China for 2nd Belt and Road Forum (25-28 April 2019); current regional situation; and cooperation at multilateral fora were discussed during the visit.

The Deputy Chairman Senate, Saleem Mandviwalla, visited China from 17-19 April 2019 and held meetings with Shanghai Media Group, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Shanghai Committee, Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, East China Central Factory of Bright Dairy. Previously, Chairman Senate visited China from 16-20 August 2018. Former President Mamnoon Hussain had visited China to attend the SCO Heads of State Summit in Qingdao in June 2018. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi participated in the Boao Forum for Asia held on 8-11 April 2018.

From Chinese side, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Pakistan in September 2019 to attend the Third China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers Dialogue in Islamabad. Vice Chairman CMC Gen. Xu Qiliang visited Pakistan recently.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou visited Pakistan on 6 March 2019. He discussed the regional situation with the Foreign Secretary and also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chief of the Army Staff. Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou had earlier visited Pakistan to attend the first round of reconstituted Political Consultations between Pakistan and China on 10 December 2018.

The other high level visits from China included those of Mr. Gao Yunlong, Vice-Chairman Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) (13-16 February, 2019); visit of Mr. Zhang Chunxian, Vice Chairman of Standing Committee of National People’s Congress (NPC) in November 2018; visit of Mr. Song Tao, Minister for International Department of Communist Party of China (CPC) on 13-16 October; State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit (6-9 September); and visit of General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission of China in May 2018.

Consultation Mechanisms:

Pakistan and China have several Consultations mechanisms including Strategic Dialogue at Foreign Ministers’ level, Political Consultations at Foreign Secretary/Vice-Minister level; consultations on South Asia, Arms Control, Counter-terrorism; Human Rights; Peacekeeping; Maritime Dialogue; Border management consultations, and Consular affairs.

Defence Cooperation:

Pakistan-China Defence collaboration forms the backbone of the relationship. The cooperation spans high-level military exchanges, structured defence and security talks, joint exercises, training of personnel in each other’s institutions, joint defence production and defence trade. The militaries of the two countries have institutionalized three tiers of bilateral consultations to enable close cooperation at all levels. There is an extensive range of cooperation, including joint ventures, for the production of military equipment, aircraft, submarines and tanks. China is also the recipient of the largest number of military training officials from Pakistan.

Economic & Trade Relations:

China is currently Pakistan’s largest single trading partner; while Pakistan is China’s second largest trading partner in South Asia. Major imports from China include machinery and mechanical appliances, metals, chemical products, mineral ores, plastic scrap and transport equipment. Main exports include cotton yarn, cotton fabric, rice, leather and fish products.

In recent years, the bilateral trade volume between China and Pakistan has increased rapidly with stable commodity structure. However, despite robust investment from China, bilateral trade remains anemic. China’s imports from Pakistan reflect a downward trend whereas China’s exports to Pakistan are on an upward trajectory. Bilateral trade, which stood at US$ 1.3 billion in 2002, reached US$ 19.08 billion in 2018. Imports from China stood at US$ 12.7 billion and exports from Pakistan to China at US$ 1.85 billion in 2019.

To enhance bilateral trade volume, the two countries signed the 2nd Phase of China Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) during the Prime Minister’s visit in April 2019. CPFTA-II became operational from 1st January 2020. It would ensure provision of level-playing field in terms of concessions vis-à-vis other competitors; robust safeguard measures for protection of domestic industry; improved tariff reduction modality; higher liberalized import value from China and lesser import value for Pakistan and attracting FDI into SEZs.

Investment:

According to the State Bank of Pakistan Annual Report 2018, during FY 2018, China was the biggest investor in Pakistan with an investment of US$ 1.591 billion out of a total of US$ 2.537 billion which amounts to 63% of total FDI. With the initiation of CPEC, there has been an upsurge in investment flows into Pakistan especially in infrastructure and energy sectors.

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):

Pakistan and China have constituted a Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) to implement CPEC. The JCC is co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform and Vice-Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission. It is supported by 8 Joint Working Groups covering the various areas of cooperation as including: (i) Energy, (ii) Transport Infrastructure, (iii) Gwadar, (iv) industrial cooperation, (v) Planning & Finance, (vi) Security, (vii) Socio-Economic Development, and (viii) International Cooperation. Two new JWGs have been added. The ninth and tenth JWGs on Science & Technology and Agriculture have been established in March 2020 during the visit of the President to China.

Nine JCC meetings have been held to date, with the last one taking place on 5 November, 2019 in Islamabad. Next meeting of the JCC is scheduled to be held in China in 2020.

Current Status of CPEC Projects:

The detailed progress of CPEC Projects may be seen at http://cpec.gov.pk/. The highlights achievements are as follows;

Energy Cooperation:

• As of September 2019, 12 power projects have either been completed or were under construction. The total installed capacity of these projects was 7,240 MW with total investment of about 12.4 US billion dollars. In addition, 9 projects stand at early stage (some are constructed by phases, with a total installed capacity of 6390 MW).
• As of fiscal year 2018-19, COD CPEC energy projects had generated $250 million in tax revenue for Pakistan and provided over 10,000 jobs. They now accounted for 14.5% of available energy in the NTDC grid.
• The JCC welcomed significant positive momentum in resolving the issue of delayed tariff payments and agreed to promote the introduction of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology in Pakistan.
• It was also agreed to continue consultations and finalize the Pakistan-China Development Plan for oil and gas sector. Pakistan side proposed these projects for consideration by the Chinese side, i.e. (a) Finalization of feasibility study on South North Gas Pipeline; (b) Up-gradation of Pakistan Refinery Ltd. Karachi; (c) Coal-to-Liquid Engineering Plant based in Thar Coal at Thar Sindh, and (d) Thar Block-VI for Coal gasification to Fertilizer projects.

Transportation and Infrastructure Cooperation:

• The 392 kilometer-long Multan-Sukkur section of the Peshawar-Karachi Motorway was completed ahead of schedule and inaugurated at the JCC.
• Work on upgrading the Karakoram Highway’s Havelian-Thakot section was also on track for timely completion. Its Havelian-Mansehra section would be opened to traffic in the near term.
• In Gwadar, work on the redesigned Eastbay Expressway and the New Gwadar International Airport was proceeding according to timelines.
• Various issues regarding Orange Line Mass Transit project in Lahore had been resolved (the project is to be operational from March 2020).
• Both sides agreed to expedite the design review and feasibility approval of the Main Line (ML)-I Peshawar-Karachi railway project and agreed to constitute financing committees. Possibility of RMB financing would also be explored.
• It was agreed that Pakistan would submit financing request for Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) for further deliberation. Both sides also agreed to consider Quetta Mass-transit and greater Peshawar Mass-transit project in the next JWG Meeting after approval of their PC-1s.

Gwadar:

• Gwadar was considered as an entry point for transshipment to Afghanistan.
• Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan was endorsed by JCC.
• The 300 MW coal-fired power plant was launched, and its preparatory work would be expedited.
• China would dispatch expert’s teams for the early implementation of a 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination plant.
• Detailed planning was being undertaken for the further development of Gwadar’s Free Zone which had already been granted considerable concessions.
• A medical college and nursing school would be considered for Phase I of the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) hospital project.

Industrial Cooperation:

• The JCC reviewed progress on three SEZ’s namely Rashakai, Dhabeji, and Allama Iqbal. The importance for supporting infrastructure, targeted incentives for investors and a “one-window” facility was reaffirmed.
• The first round of business diagnosis for Pakistani’s textiles sector was undertaken and its findings on enhancing industrial productivity and overall competitiveness were presented. It was agreed to expand and deepen the business-diagnosis mechanism to other industrial subsectors.
• It was agreed to activate the Pakistan-China Business Council to give full play to the private sectors of both countries. The Council would comprise senior executives from leading enterprises.
• The JCC agreed to support revitalization of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM)
• A comprehensive incentives package for investors was in the final stages of preparation by Pakistan and would be unveiled at the earliest.

Socioeconomic Development and Agriculture:

• Out of 17 fast-track socioeconomic development projects, 12 were ready for commencement, while the remaining five projects would also be expedited.
• Special emphasis was placed on early launch of Pakistan-China joint agricultural technology laboratory.
• Both sides would also enhance cooperation in agricultural areas including deep processing technology, fisheries, and disease-free zones.
• Both sides also agreed to accelerate the procedures for: (a) Balochistan Solar Power Lighting Equipment; (b) Drinking Water Equipment Supply (Solar powered pumps in KP and Water filtration plants in AJK); (c) Smart Classroom Project for Higher Education; (d) Provision of Medical Equipment and Material and (e) Pakistan Vocational School’s Equipment Up-grading and Renovation Project.

2. Croatia in an important country in the Balkans region. It joined NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013.

3. The leadership of both the countries is keen to further deepen the bilateral ties, which is manifested by contacts on the sidelines of international conferences/events between the two sides. The last high- level visit from Pakistan side took place when former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar visited Croatia in May 2007.

4. Pakistan and Croatia signed a MoU on Bilateral Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia on 01 June 2007 in Zagreb, Croatia. The inaugural session will be held on mutually convenient dates.

5. Pakistan and Croatia signed a Business Cooperation Agreement between the FPCCI and the Croatian Chamber of Economy in 1996. The trade figures for the last five years are given below:

6. Pakistan has limited Defence cooperation with Croatia. No high level defence related visit has taken place in the recent past. Croatia has a very strong Navy in the region. Pakistan can explore possibilities of naval cooperation with Croatia. In this regard a high level naval visit from Pakistan can be beneficial.

7. Pakistan and Croatia supports each other’s candidature on mutual arrangements, which is often done through the Offices of the Permanent Representatives.

8. There is a very small Pakistani community in Croatia around ten to fifteen Pakistanis. Most of them are married to Croatian women and have acquired Croatian nationality. Some of them have their own small business set ups.

1. Both Pakistan and Cyprus do not maintain resident diplomatic missions in each other’s capital. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Cyprus is resident in Beirut while Cyprus’ High Commissioner to Pakistan is resident in Tehran.

2. Pakistan and Cyprus maintain cordial relations. Cyprus donated US$ 127,000 to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund for the relief and rehabilitation of the October 2010 flood affectees in Pakistan.

3. Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto visited Larnaca in October 1993 to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.The Cypriot Foreign Minister met Foreign Minister HinaRabbaniKhar during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October 2011 in Perth, Australia. Finance Minister Shaukat F.A. Tareen visited Cyprus in September 2009 to attend meeting of the Finance Ministers/Senior Officials of the Commonwealth.

4. Pakistan and Cyprus have been supporting each other’s candidature at various international organizations. During recent past, Pakistan supported Cypriot candidature in International Maritime Organization (IMO), which has been very well recognized and appreciated by the Cypriot side.

5. Over the recent years, Pakistan-Cyprus bilateral trade has been fluctuating around US$15 million mark. Lately, the Balance of Trade has also been in our favour. Bilateral trade figures for the past several years are given below:

6. Pakistan’s major exports to Cyprus are textiles, textile made ups (bed, table and kitchen linen), leather, carpets, rice, and fruits & nuts. Our major imports from Cyprus include pharmaceutical products, mineral substances, copper & its articles, and aluminium.

7. With Cyprus’ entry into the EU, Pakistan’s commercial interests have assumed significance. Cyprus has been supporting EU’s decision to help Pakistan through granting greater market access to the country such as Autonomous Trade Preferences (APTs) package to overcome economic difficulties in the aftermath of devastating floods in 2010 and GSP Plus in 2014.

8. At present, the size of Pakistani community in Cyprus is around 3500-4000, mostly students.

2. The Prime Minister of former Czechoslovakia Marian Calfa visited Pakistan in December 1991. Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek paid an official visit to Pakistan from 08-10 May 2007.

3. Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mirek Topolanek, paid an official visit to Pakistan from 08-10 May 2007 at the invitation of former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Four MoUs including Establishment of Bilateral Cooperation between Health Institutions of the Czech Republic and Pakistan; Cooperation between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Economic Chamber of the Czech Republic; Cooperation between Academy of Sciences of Pakistan and the Czech Republic; Cooperation between the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan and the Czech Diplomatic Academy were signed during the visit.

4. The former Czech Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Martin Bartak, who was also Minister of Defence, visited Pakistan in March 2010. An MOU on Military Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Defence of Pakistan. The Terms of Reference (TOR) of this MOU were signed on 23 November 2016 in Karachi.

5. The former Prime Minister of Pakistan met with the Czech Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Pavel Belobradek, on the sidelines of Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague on 25 March 2014.

6. A three member delegation of Czech-Pakistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group visited Pakistan from 23 -29 June 2019. The delegation visited Islamabad and Lahore and held meetings with Speaker National Assembly; Chairman Senate and Advisor on Commerce; Textile, Industry & Production and Investment. The delegation was also accompanied by five member business delegation from RMT (electronics manufacturing company), LIAZ (trucks manufacturing) and Wero energy (Energy company).

7. The mechanism has been established since 2006. Eight rounds of Bilateral Political Consultations have been held so far. The 8^thround was held in Islamabad from 13-14 March 2018. The Pakistan side was led by Additional Secretary (Europe) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zaheer Janjua. During the consultations, the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explored possibilities of extending cooperation in political, economic, energy, educational and cultural sectors.

8. The economic relations between the two countries are growing steadily. The total volume of trade between the two countries has reached US$ 245 million in 2018.

9. Pakistan and the Czech Republic have had mutually beneficial cooperation arrangement in the field of education. Around 30-40 Pakistani students are studying in the Czech Republic in different fields. A Memorandum of Agreement between National Textile University and Technical University Liberec, Faculty of Textile Engineering, was signed in 2008, which encouraged the exchange of students and faculty members between the two universities. At present, 20 Pakistani students are completing their doctorate studies in Textile University of Liberec at the Faculty of Textile Engineering.

10. The two countries have cultural links embodied in history. The Czech scientists and travellers had been visiting what is now Pakistan since the middle of 19^th Century. The cultural exchanges and mutual inspiration intensified especially in the 1920s and 1930s. Works of famous Czech writers have been translated in Urdu.

11. Both countries have signed Programme of Cooperation in Culture 2009-2011 on the occasion of 70^th Anniversary of Pakistan’s independence.

12. There are around 615 Pakistanis in the Czech Republic, mostly businessmen, traders, students and professionals. A few are employed by multinationals.

6. The total volume of bilateral trade in fiscal year 2018 amounted to US$ 297.04 million. There are around 52 Danish companies with business interests in Pakistan. They include major companies like A.P. Møller/Maersk, F.L. Smidth, Beirholm, Eldan Recycling, Haldor Topsoe, Sanovo Technology, Borch Textile group, Wernerfelt Textile Company, Select A/S and KMC).

7. An Agribusiness delegation focusing on food, agriculture and sustainability from Denmark visited Pakistan (Lahore and Karachi) on 13-16 January 2019. The Danish delegation comprised of companies like AAK, DS Triple, Foss, Jeros and Jimco. They held separate meetings with the representatives of Fauji Foods, BigBird, Mondelez, Dairyland besides undertaking visits to Venus Pakistan and Bunny’s Ltd.

8. Denmark is world leader in wind-powered electricity generation. Pakistan Alternate Energy Development Board delegation visited Denmark in April 2005. In February 2015 an agreement of cooperation for establishment of four wind power projects (250 MW each) was signed between Government of Punjab and the Danish wind turbine manufacturer VESTAS. Gerard Carew Vice-President of VESTAS visited Pakistan in this regard. The company also signed an MoU with the Government of Sindh for establishment of a 100MW Wind Power project in Jhimpir wind corridor with the cost of US$ 260 million.

9. There exists limited defence cooperation between the two countries. The Danish authorities expressed their interest in developing linkages between the NDU and the Royal Danish Defence College.


10. Danish Fleet observers led by Col. Kim Schmidt, Defence Attache participated in the multinational AMAN-17 Naval Exercise held in the Pakistani waters on 10-14 February 2017. It reinforced the two countries common resolve to promote peace and stability in the region, further increase cooperation to counter human trafficking, narcotic smuggling, piracy and terrorism in the region.

11. An estimated 30,000 Pakistanis are currently settled in Denmark. This number includes holders of British, Danish and other passports. Most Pakistanis arrived here in early 1970s when foreign nationals could enter Denmark without visa as guest workers. Due to subsequent restrictions on immigration, the number of fresh arrivals from Pakistan went down and Pakistani nationals could acquire resident status in Denmark only on the basis of family unification. Majority of early immigrants came from central and northern Punjab.

• Prime Minister Imran Khan had a bilateral meeting with the President of Egypt, Mr. Abdul Fattah Al Sisi, on the sidelines of the 74^th session of the UN General Assembly on 24 September 2019.
• Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with President Abdul Fattah Al Sisi on the sidelines of the OIC Summit held in Makkah on 30 May 2019.
• Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi also met his Egyptian counterpart on the sidelines of the OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in Makkah on 29 May 2019.
• Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi held bilateral meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Mr. Sameh Hassan Shoukry, on the sidelines of UNGA in New York, in September 2018.

• The latest visit at the highest level from Egypt to Pakistan was of former President Mohamed Morsi in March 2013.
• Sameh Aboul-Enein, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt visited Pakistan from 15-16 October 2018.
• Shawki Ibrahim Allam, Grand Mufti of Egypt visited Pakistan, to attend “International Seerat Conference on Religious Tolerance and Harmony” on 20-25 March 2018.
• Egyptian Commander in Chief, Minister of Defence and Military Production visited Pakistan from 24-27 February, 2020 to attend the 1^st Round of Pak-Egypt Defence and Security Talks.

2. EU is among the largest trading partners of Pakistan accounting for about Euro 13,037 million of Pakistan’s total trade in 2019. After the exit of the UK from the European Union, EU Member States host around 1.5 million Pakistanis who are gainfully employed in various fields. On the EU side, Pakistan is important for its sizeable population and important location.


3. To continue cooperation the two sides agreed to conclude a Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) during the third round of Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue on 04 October 2016. The SEP was signed during the visit of the Foreign Minister to Brussels on 25 June 2019.

4. A delegation of the European Parliament’s South Asia delegation, led by Ms. Jean Lambert, visited Pakistan from 29 October -2 November 2018 and met the Foreign Minister on 29 October 2018. The EU Parliamentary elections were held in May 2019. Post Brexit, the EU Parliament consists of 705 MEPs.

5. In July 2012, the European Parliament revised the threshold for GSP Plus Scheme from one percent to two percent, enabling Pakistan to apply for this scheme. Subsequently, the European Parliament approved with an overwhelming majority, the Single Delegation Act on the new GSP Plus Scheme on 12 December 2013 and Pakistan became the 10^th country to benefit from the scheme.


6. Since inception of the GSP Plus Scheme, compared to 2013 Pakistan’s exports to the EU have risen by 65 percent and EU’s exports have increased by 47 percent. Total trade between Pakistan and EU stood at €13.037 billion by the end of 2019. Pakistan exports to the EU for the year 2019 were €7.492 billion and imports stood at €5.545 billion.


7. EU conducts biennial reviews for countries for which it grants special schemes. Two biennial reviews (2014-15) and (2016-17) have already been conducted for Pakistan. The third biennial review focused on the actual narrowing of gap between legislation and on-ground implementation of 27 Core Conventions.

8. The EU provides development assistance to Pakistan under a Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for the period 2014-20, with an allocation of €613 Million, over a period of seven years. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding MIP 2014–20 was concluded between EAD and EU Delegation in Islamabad on 15 December 2015. Negotiations for the next MIP (2021-27) would begin in the second half of 2020.

9. Election Observation has been an important EU activity aiming to promote democracy, human rights and rule of law. The European Union has been sending Election Observation Missions (EOMs) to Pakistan since the last two decades. EU-EOM deployed in Pakistan in 2018 consisted of ten (10) members of the core team and 60 Long-Term Observers (LTOs). The final report on 2018 general elections recognized several positive developments, including improvement in legal framework, independence of Election Commission of Pakistan and orderly conduct of elections. The report made 30 recommendations for consideration of the Election Commission and suggested priority action on 08 recommendation.

10. Pakistan and the EU have a mechanism of holding staff talks at Director General Joint Staff level. Third round of Pakistan-EU Staff Talks was held in Brussels on 25-26 June 2019.


11. The fourth round is expected to be held in Pakistan in August 2020.

12. The Pakistan-EU Readmission Agreement (EURA) was signed by the two sides on 26 October 2009, ratified on 16 July 2010 and entered into force on 01 October 2012.

13. European Parliament held a debate on the deteriorating human rights situation in IOJ&K on 17 September 2019. Ms. Tytti Tuppurainan, on behalf of HRVP Mogherini, briefed MEPs on the latest developments in IOJ&K. Several MEPs spoke along Pakistan’s stance and called upon India to halt its atrocities in IOJ&K and supported implementation of UNSC resolutions related to the Kashmir dispute.

2. The MoU on the establishment of Bilateral Political Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries was signed on 8 December 2004. Under the MoU three rounds of Bilateral Political Consultations have been held in Pakistan and Estonia (2005 and 2011 in Tallinn and 2007 in Islamabad). The 4^th round of consultations will be held in Islamabad on mutually agreed dates.

3. The total bilateral trade in 2018 was US$ 17.62 million. Pakistan’s exports stood at US$ 14.28 million and imports were US$ 3.348 million. Pakistan’s imports from Estonia include food products and beverages, mineral fuels, wood and wood products, articles of base metals, furniture and bedding and exports include food and food products, metals, salt and textile. The trade of the last three years is as follows:

4. There are approximately 245 Pakistani citizens living in Estonia including 70 students. There is an organization of Pakistani community called “Pakistan-Estonia Association”. The main objective of the association is to provide a common platform to the Pakistani community living in Estonia, work for their welfare, facilitate new comers, promote social, cultural values and soft image of Pakistan.

2. Pakistan’s relations with Finland are friendly with steady growth in content and substance. The former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf visited Finland in July 2004. There were, however, some meetings between the leadership on the sidelines of the international events. The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Raja Pervez Ashraf, and Finnish Prime Minister, Jyrki Katainen met on the sidelines of the 9^th ASEM Summit in Vientiane, Laos in November 2012.

3. An eight-member delegation of the Finnish Foreign Relations committee visited Islamabad in January 2007. The former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi met with the Finnish Prime Minister on the sidelines of the ASEM Summit in Milan in October 2014. The Finnish Prime Minister expressed his desire to visit Pakistan which was welcomed by the the SAPM. A 21-member delegation of the National Defence University visited Finland from 26 April to 01 May 2015.

4. Both countries are regularly holding Bilateral Political Consultations. The first round of Bilateral Political Consultations was held at Helsinki on 11 April 2014. The Second Round of bilateral political consultations was held in Islamabad on 17 May 2016.


5. The fourth Round of Pakistan-Finland Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Finland was held in Islamabad on 26 February 2019. Additional Secretary (Europe) Zaheer A. Janjua led the Pakistani delegation while Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Anne Marjaana Sipilainen headed the Finnish side. The next round will be held in Helsinki on mutually agreed dates.

6. The total bilateral trade in 2019 was US$ 69 million. Pakistan’s exports to Finland were US$28 million registering a growth of 12% compared to the exports amounting to US$25 million in the same period in 2018. Pakistan’s imports from Finland stood at US$41 million registering a steep decrease of 52% compared to the imports amounting to US$85 million in 2018. Pakistan’s imports are mainly electrical and optical equipment, machinery, paper and pulp, chemicals, basic metals; industrial goods, chemicals, machinery, agricultural products, minerals (non-ferrous metals), telecommunication apparatus. Pakistan’s major exports to Finland are bed-wear, ready-made garments, sports goods, knitwear (hosiery), cotton fabrics, apparel & clothing of leather, made-up articles of textiles (silk/synthetic), sports goods, carpets & floor covering, rice and mangoes.

7. There are 6-7 notable Finnish companies including Nokia, SSM, Wärtsilä, Stora-Enso and Vaisala operating in Pakistan. A Finnish company Stora Enso has established a joint venture called Bulleh Shah Packaging Limited with Packages Pakistan in 2012. The joint venture employs around 950 persons and sales are forecast to be around Euros 100 million.

8. The Finland-Pakistan Business Council was reactivated in 2014 and has already held various trade promotion events besides planning various events in the future. Finpro has hired two local consultants to assist the Finnish companies intending to do business in Pakistan.

9. A collaboration agreement was signed between the Aalto University, Helsinki and the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design Lahore in 2011. The collaboration paves the way for Pakistani students to benefit from the Finnish expertise in the field of fashion. A delegation of NUST headed by its Rector visited Finland in April 2014 for exploring collaboration with the Finnish educational institutions during which an MoU was signed between NUST and Aalto University.


10. The Finnish Museum Association has an ongoing collaboration program with the Pakistani Museum Association. A number of visits have been exchanged between them so far. An MoU was signed between the Finnish Museum Association and COMSATS in February 2015 to support the program.

11. There is a small Pakistani community in Finland, estimated at around 2600 persons including students. These people are engaged in various occupations. Pakistan has a dual nationality agreement with Finland since September 2015.

2. Four institutional mechanisms have been established between Pakistan and France to promote cooperation in political, trade, security and defence fields. These include: (i) Bilateral Political Consultations; (ii) Joint Economic Commission; (iii) Joint Security Commission; and (iv) Joint Staff Talks. So far, thirteen rounds of Bilateral Political Consultations at Foreign Secretary level, six rounds of the Joint Security Dialogue and eleven rounds of Joint Staff Talks have been held. The 13^th round of Annual Bilateral Consultations was held in Islamabad on 10 July 2018.

3. Pakistan-France Parliamentary Friendship Groups exist in the French Senate and National Assembly. Similar groups have also been formed in the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan. The Friendship Groups in the French Parliament and Senate visited Pakistan in December 2017 and January 2018. President of Pakistan-France Friendship Group Senator Pascal Allizard visited Pakistan from 28-30 October 2018 to attend APA meeting in Gwadar at the invitation of Chairman Senate. Another delegation of France Senators visited Pakistan from 24-27 April 2019.

4. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and France in 2019 amounted to US$ 1.46 billion, with Pakistani exports reaching $ 1.02 billion and imports $ 443 million.

5. Around 46 French companies including Total, Alcatel, Sanofi Aventis, Vinci, Carrefour, Engie, L’Oréal, Schneider and Suez are active in Pakistan. French supermarket giant Carrefour is operating outlets in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. L’Oreal has established a distribution/marketing office in Karachi. Alstom, French energy company (acquired by General electric) is providing turbines for energy projects in Pakistan (Sahiwal) and is aiding in up gradation of Mangla Dam. A Pakistani company Martin Dow purchased two pharmaceutical plants in France.

6. A delegation of French companies under the auspices of MEDEF (Association of French Entrepreneurs) visited Pakistan from 8-11 April The delegation earlier visited Pakistan in 2017, after which Credit Agricole, one of the largest banks in France, upgraded ‘Risk Model’ for Pakistan by two notches. A major financing loan for LNG Floating Terminal in Karachi was approved in principle. Its subsidiary Credit Agricole Grameen also announced plans to undertake micro-financing projects for SMEs in partnership with Pakistani entities. Suez, a world leader in water and waste management, negotiated an agreement with Sindh government for improving water supply in Karachi.

7. Pakistan participates in several international trade exhibitions held every year in Paris. In 2016, several Pakistani companies participated in Tex World (textile trade fair); Premier Vision (leather and textile trade fair); SPACE (agriculture trade fair); SIAL (food trade fair); and Expo Protection Exhibition (safety instruments trade fair). A group of French businessmen visited Pakistan in April 2016 for TEXPO Karachi. In 2017, Pakistan participated in two Tex World fairs and French companies attended Expo 2017 in Karachi.

8. French Development Agency (AFD) has allocated more than Euros 900 million soft loans to Pakistan since 2007. In 2017-2018 AFD approved three new loans for a total of Euros 290 million for Bus Rapid Transit of Peshawar, clean drinking water supply in Faisalabad and solar energy projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

9. For 2019-2020, AFD plans to commit additional Euro 300 million to finance BRT Karachi with ADB and AIIB, rehabilitation of Lahore Fort, treatment of waste management in Lahore and access to basic services in Gilgit-Baltistan.

10. Pakistan has a long tradition of defence relations with France. The induction of French Mirage fighter jets into Pakistan Air Force in 1960s laid the foundations of this relationship. Later, the acquisition of French submarines and maritime aircraft in 1970s and 1990s further reinforced ties. France also contributed extensively in training of Pakistan Air Force and Navy.


11. Defense relations between Pakistan and France have been institutionalized through Joint Security Commission and Staff Talks. A draft MoU on cooperation between National Defence University, Islamabad and its French counterpart IHDEN was signed in July 2019.

12. Since 2010, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has an ongoing scholarship program to enable Pakistani students to pursue higher studies in France. Presently, there are more than 600 Pakistani scholars pursuing Ph.D. and Masters programmes in various French institutions under this program.

13. HEC and Campus France signed an MoU to promote cooperation between Pakistani and French Universities in 2016. A partnership agreement was signed between UNESCO and the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) as its category II partner on 21 November 2016. A Memorandum of Understanding between Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and Meteo France (MF) for cooperation in the field of meteorology was signed at Paris in July 2017.


14. “Pakistan Week,” a joint initiative of Higher Education of Pakistan (HEC) and its French counterpart Campus France, was launched in Paris on 20 June 2018. This was the third event of its kind, which aimed at deepening cooperation in higher education between Pakistan and France.

15. There are approximately one hundred thousand Pakistanis living in France. A significant number of our community is engaged in businesses ranging from restaurants, construction, small businesses and as low-skilled labor. Pakistani Diaspora in France enjoys positive image and contributes meaningfully to the French society, in comparison with other migrant communities, it does not have any significant political influence in France.

2. The Prime Minister and German Chancellor held an informal meeting on the sidelines of World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meetings in Davos on 23 January 2020. The Prime Minister accepted Chancellor Merkel’s invitation to visit Germany.

3. The Foreign Minister visited Munich to attend Munich Security Conference from 14-15 Feburary 2019. The Foreign Minister also held a meeting with the German Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the event.


4. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited Islamabad on 12 March 2019. During the visit, the German Foreign Minister met the Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff and held tete-a-tete followed by delegation level talks with the Foreign Minister.

5. Pakistan and Germany trade volume was US$ 5 million in 2018. Germany is Pakistan’s 6^th most important export destination. Pakistan’s principal exports to Germany are textiles, leather goods, medical instruments, Basmati rice, carpets and jewellery. German main exports to Pakistan are: electrical power machinery, packed medicaments & medicine, textile machinery, cars, medical instruments, synthetic colours and etc.


6. Germany is the 7^th largest FDI investor in Pakistan with a total investment of US $ 380.5 million approximately, as 35 German multinationals are engaged in Pakistan, like Merck, Hoechts, Bayer, BASF, Siemens, Linde, Metro and others. In Pakistan, 55 percent of the German investment is in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The second largest sector is electronics industry, followed by the transport sector and textiles machinery.

7. The German automobile maker Volkswagen announced to set up an assembly plant in Karachi. The project envisages assembly of 28,000 units of Amarok and Transporter T-6 light commercial vehicles in Karachi. In the second phase of the Project, Volkswagen Caddy will also be produced. At its full capacity, the project is likely to generate Euro 400-450 million in sales and exports, and Euro 200 million in duties and taxes annually.

8. Germany is Pakistan’s development partner. The cooperation has been continuing since the founding of German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in 1961. The volume of development assistance and priority areas are identified through biannual review meetings between BMZ and Economic Affairs Division, held alternately in Berlin and Islamabad. The focus of development cooperation has largely been on KP, FATA and Punjab, though exceptions have been made. Germany is one of the few donors working in KP and FATA. The priority areas for development assistance are identified in close consultations with EAD, and based on the feedback received from the implementing agency, GIZ, German political foundations, German INGOs and civil society organizations. For the last five years, the focus has been on i) good governance; ii) renewable energy and energy efficiency; iii) basic education/vocational training; and iv) health.

9. A new country strategy for Pakistan for the period 2016-2020 was finalized by BMZ in August 2016, in consultation with EAD. It endorses continued German engagement with Pakistan in the areas of (i) good governance, (ii) energy and (iii) sustainable economic development.

10. Pakistan and German defence collaboration started in 1960s. A major step in this regard was induction of German origin small arms for Pakistan Armed Forces in 1960s. In March 2012, Pakistan and Germany signed a MoU on Defence Cooperation signed by Defence Ministers.

11. Military-to-Military Cooperation between Germany and Pakistan is purely the domain of the Ministry of Defence in the German context. Pakistan and German Armed Forces have come a long way in increasing contacts in areas such as, courses, visits, seminars and talks at various levels. These contacts can be further divided into two categories, Military Cooperation Programs (MCP) and Military Training Assistance Program (MTAP).

12. Germany is an attractive destination for Pakistani students. Around 5000 students are pursuing studies at various German institutions; including 382 Pakistani students who have completed their degrees in Master’s and Ph.D. due to scholarship programmes being offered by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with HEC.

13. The two countries are also cooperating in the area of vocational and technical education and training (TVET) through establishment of centres of excellence and capacity building of trainers in TVET.

14. Over 100,000 Pakistanis live in Germany. Principal cities where majority of Pakistani community members reside are: Frankfurt, Bonn, Köln, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Berlin, Hanover and Düsseldorf.

15. The majority is engaged in small businesses. A new generation of foreign qualified Pakistanis has started joining the German workforce in small numbers. Over 5000 Pakistani students are pursuing their studies in different educational institutions of Germany.

2. Former Prime Minister Shoukat Aziz visited Greece in 2007 along with a high-level delegation. A Joint Communiqué was issued after the visit which envisaged enhancing cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields.

3. Greece has accepted the reciprocal support arrangement with Pakistan for Pakistan’s candidature to the UNESCO Executive Board for the term 2019-23 in exchange for Greece’s candidature to the World Heritage Committee for the term 2021-2025.

4. In 2019, a 3 member Greece-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group was formed in the new Greek Parliament after the elections. Georgios Kotronias, President of the group is from the ruling party New Democracy.

5. Pakistan exports to Greece include bed linen, woven cotton fabrics, polymers of styrene, articles of apparel & clothing, oil seeds, footwear, sportswear, rice and garments. Imports from Greece are mainly scrap, maritime equipment, lifting machinery, air conditioning machines, preserved fruits and mechanical appliances etc.The volumeof bilateral trade at close of year 2018 was around Euros 86.934 million. The balance of trade has traditionally remained in favour of Pakistan. In 2018, Pakistan exports to Greece accounted for Euros 60.286 million and imports were about Euros 26.107 million. Bilateral trade figures for the past five years are as follows:

6. Pakistan Embassy participates in events like International Food Festival and organizes events like “Meet My Country” and cultural evenings on self-finances basis. In the field of education, there are frequent visits of doctors and educationistsfor participation in theinternational conferences and events organized by Pakistani institutions and vice versa.

2. The former Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz met Mr. Peter Szijjarto Hungarian Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the “One Belt One Road” Conference on 14-15 May 2017 in Beijing.

3. The two sides regularly consult each other under the framework of Bilateral Political Consultations. Since the inaugural session in Budapest in March 2007, a total of five (05) sessions have been held. The fifth session was held in Islamabad in 2017. During the BPC, the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and chart the way for future cooperation.

4. The total volume of trade in 2018 was US $ 45.15 million, with Pakistan’s exports of US $ 18.95 million and imports of US $ 26.19 million.

5. The highlight of Pakistan-Hungary economic relations is Magyar Oil Limited (MOL) Hungary’s US$ 305 million investment in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector since 1999. MOL is the largest producer of LPG, second largest producer of oil, and one of the largest producers of gas in Pakistan. MOL’s Pakistan operations are its most lucrative international operations.

6. Under the Higher Education and Scientific Exchange Programme concluded on 7 December 2015 and amended on 21 February 2017, Hungary provides 200 graduates, postgraduate and doctoral scholarships to Pakistani students each year for three years.

7. Hungary has offered to restore the Princess Bamba Paintings at the Lahore Fort by renowned Hungarian artist August Schoefft. The paintings depict historic culture of Sikh Court of 19^th The expenditure incurred on the restoration of the paintings will be covered by the Hungarian side.

8. There is a small Pakistani community in Hungary, numbering about 80-100 families. Most of them are professionals working in UN agencies, international banks, IT Sector, MOL, etc. A fair number of Pakistani students are studying in Hungarian Universities, especially on scholarships offered by the Hungarian government.

2. The former President Asif Zardari met the President of Iceland in January 2011 on the sidelines of World Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.

3. The former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Iceland, Mr. Össur Skarphéðinsson, met on the sidelines of the 66^th session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2011. Both the Ministers exchanged views on various facets of bilateral relations.

4. Iceland has Honorary Consulates in Islamabad and Karachi. However, in the absence of any sizable Pakistani community in Iceland and dearth of contacts at different levels, the interaction between the two countries is not conspicuous. In the area of education a few students from Pakistan received geothermal training at United Nations University in Reykjavik in 90s.

5. Volume of trade with Iceland has been negligible due to lack of transport and communication links. A small amount of US $ 1.59 million was recorded in bilateral trade in 2018 with the balance of trade in favour of Pakistan.

6. Iceland has a very modern and advanced fishing industry, which is the backbone of their economy. Pakistan, being a country with a long coastline and many rivers, can consider tapping the area of cooperation to impart fishing expertise to our professionals, which Iceland has developed.

2. Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran are undergoing a transformative phase. There is a renewed energy and growing positivity and desire to work together between the two countries. The growing warmth in our relations and desire to re-engage can be measured from the fact that Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Javad Zarif was the first foreign dignitary to visit on 31 August 2018 after formation of new government in Pakistan. The Foreign Minister once again visited on 31 October 2018 and in May 2019. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi also visited Iran on 24 December 2018.

3. The Prime Minister Imran Khan made his first official visit to Iran at the invitation of Iranian President Dr. Hassan Rouhani on 21-22 April 2019. The timely and fruitful visit contributed to enhancing mutual understanding on a range of issues in political, economic and security areas. The visit helped in setting a clear policy direction for durable, mutually-beneficial relations with Iran. The key outcomes of the visit include; Signing of Declaration for Cooperation in Healthcare Sector; initiation of the process for release of a number of Pakistani prisoners; holding meetings of various bilateral mechanisms; opening of new crossing points; and call for peaceful solution of Jammu &Kashmir dispute.

4. Iran has remained strong supporter of the Kashmir cause. It has openly voiced support for the innocent Kashmiris under brutal siege of Indian forces. The Iranian high leadership has also repeatedly given statements in support of people of Kashmir and condemned unjust Indian atrocities. Similarly, Pakistan’s support on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and commitment towards Iran despite US’ unilateral sanctions has been greatly appreciated in Iran.

5. Despite the excellent bilateral relations, the current trade volume between the two countries is below its full potential. Currently, the volume of trade is US $ 392.08 million with $22.86 million Pakistani exports comprising mainly of rice, meat, paper and paper board, chemicals, textiles, fruit & vegetables; major imports from Iran comprise mainly of iron ore, hide & skins, and chemical products (Pakistani imports US$ 369.23 million).

6. Iran and Pakistan are working together at expert level to improve road and rail connectivity. This includes upgradation of 700 kilometer Quetta-Taftan highway, improvement of facilities at border crossing points, opening up of new border crossing points (Gabd-Reemdan and Mand-Pishin) and improvement of facilities available to Zaireen during their visits to Iran, Iraq and other countries.

7. Pakistan-Iran border has been named “Border of Peace, Friendship and Love” by the leadership of both countries. There are many border management mechanisms operational between the two countries.

8. There is a significant number of Pakistani diaspora living in Iran. Moreover, a large number of Zaireen (0.3 million) visit holy places and shrines in Iran, Iraq and Syria via Quetta Taftan border. There is also a work going on to further strengthen the bilateral relations with Iran through promotion of religious tourism by enhancing tourism to historic religious sites in Pakistan including facilitation to Zaireen.

2. At the state level, President General Ayub Khan visited Ireland in July 1964. Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto visited Dublin in June 1994. Irish Foreign Minister, Brian Cowen, leading the EU Troika delegation, visited Pakistan in February 2004. The Irish Minister of State for International Trade visited Karachi in April 2007 with a trade Mission.

3. Mr. Sartaj Aziz, former Adviser to the PM on Foreign Affairs met the Foreign Minister of Ireland Mr. Charles Flanagen on September 22, 2016 on the side-lines of the 71^st UNGA in New York.

4. A mechanism of Bilateral Political Consultations exists between the two countries. So far three rounds of talks have been held, the last being in Dublin on 17 May 2011.

5. Pakistan and Ireland have been supporting each other’s candidatures in elections for various international organizations. They agreed on a reciprocal arrangement for the UNSC non-permanent seat. Ireland supported Pakistan’s candidature for the term 2012-2013 whereas Pakistan committed its support for Ireland’s bid for the term 2021-2022. Ireland also supported Pakistan for its election to the UN Human Rights Council.

6. Ireland supported Pakistan for its inclusion in the GSP Plus and also extended support for grant of Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATPs) for 75 selected Pakistani products’ entry into EU market.

7. The encouraging trend in our bilateral relations can be seen from the growing volume of trade which reached US$ 145 million in 2016. Despite the deteriorating economic situation in Ireland, Pakistan’s exports have been posting regular growth. Trade figures for the last few years are as under:-

8. Ireland’s response to the 8^th October 2005 earthquake disaster in Pakistan was prompt, and caring. It was one of the first countries to announce an assistance of €3 million immediately after the earthquake. Later it was increased to €10 million. Ireland contributed €550,000 as emergency funding towards the relief efforts for the IDPs in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

9. Irish government announced humanitarian aid of €10 million through UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and €2 million for the flood victims in Pakistan in 2010. Ireland announced a grant of €5 million in 2013 for polio eradication initiative in the three polio prone countries i.e. Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

10. There is about 8000 Pakistanisin Ireland consisting of Medical Doctors, IT Professionals, Chartered Accountants and Businessmen. Pakistani doctors, who went to Ireland between 1970’s to 1990’s earned good will for themselves and Pakistan through their professionalism. Around 260 junior Pakistani doctors were recruited by the Health Services Executive of Ireland in 2011. The College of Physician and Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP) has signed a MoU with Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) for Post Graduate training of Pakistani doctors in Ireland. Almost 270 Pakistani doctors went to Ireland within 3 years.

2. Italy has always shown strong commitment to its bilateral relationship with the US and the trans-Atlantic alliance. Italy considers sanctions against Russia by the EU as counter-productive. Its policy towards Russia is driven by strategic and economic interests.

3. Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Italy were established in 1948. Pakistan’s legation was set up at Rome in 1956 which was upgraded to an Embassy the following year.

4. The two countries have maintained regular bilateral contacts. Prime Minister Imran Khan and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte met on the sidelines of the 74^th Session of the UNGA on 23 September 2019.

5. Pakistan and Italy upgraded the Annual Bilateral Consultations to the level of Foreign Secretaries and also instituted the mechanism of triennial Ministerial Review of the bilateral consultations, under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed during Foreign Minister’s visit to Italy in February, 2013. Four Rounds of political consultations have been held so far under the SEP. The next round of talks between the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and the Italian Secretary General will be held this year. The First Ministerial review under the SEP was held in 2017 in Rome.

7. Italy is Pakistan’s third largest trading partner in Europe (after United Kingdom and Germany) and among the top ten globally. Exports to Italy consist mainly of textile items such as cotton yarn, cotton fabrics, knitwear, garments, bedwear, ethanol, tanned leather, marble and carpets. Major Italian imports are defence equipment, plastics and chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and machinery for textiles. Bilateral trade for the year 2018 stood at $ 1387.64 million, with exports from Pakistan worth $ 804.4 million and imports of $ 583.2 million.

8. Italian investments in Pakistan are mostly concentrated in oil and gas exploration, textiles, pharmaceuticals and chemical sectors. Italian investment for the year 2017 stood at $ 51.40 million. Major Italian companies having presence/business interests in Pakistan include ENI (oil & gas), MAXCO (Textile, Readymade Garments), Landi Renzo (CNG Gas Kits Manufacturer), Pivato (road construction), Chiesi (Pharmaceuticals), Loris Bellini (Textile Machinery), Astaldi (Transport infrastructure, water and renewable energy, civil and industrial building) and ABB (Energy, power and automation technologies).

9. According to the official Italian statistics, more than 130,000 Pakistanis are living in Italy.  The overwhelming majority arrived in Italy in the 1980s and 1990s, mostly through irregular channels. Italy is among the list of countries with which Pakistan has dual nationality arrangement. At present nearly 300 Pakistanis are held in Italian jails for crimes ranging from drug-trafficking to homicide.

• President Pervez Musharraf visited the Kingdom on 22-23 January 2007 as part of his regional tour.
• President Asif Ali Zardari visited Jordan from 21-23 October 2011 to attend the World Economic Forum meeting at the Dead Sea.
• Chairman Senate of Pakistan Mian Raza Rabbani accompanied by a delegation of Senators visited Jordan from 4-7 December 2017.
• Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Noor ul Haq Qadri, visited Jordan in December 2019.

• King Abdullah II visited Pakistan on 14 October 2005.
• King Abdullah II visited Pakistan on 22 August, 2006, to discuss Middle East issues.
• King Abdullah II paid a visit to Pakistan on his way back from China on 1 November 2007.
• King Abdullah II paid a two-day visit to Pakistan on 8-9 February 2018.

• 2019-Foreign Minister of Pakistan met with his Kazakh counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO CFM in Bishkek on 22^ndMay 2019.


• 2017-President Mamnoon Hussain participated in the First OIC Summit on Science and Technology held in Astana, 9-12 September 2017. Mr. Sagintavey Bakytzhan Bakirovich, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, called on him on 09 September 2017 on the margins of the Summit.


• 2017– Former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Astana on 08-10 June 2017 to attend the 17^thMeeting of State Council of SCO and opening ceremony of Expo-2017.


• 2015– Former PM Nawaz Sharif visited Astana from 25-26 August 2015. He met Prime Minister Karim Massimov and held talks with President Nursultan Nazarbayev.


• 2011– Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani visited Nur Sultan on 6-7 September 2011 on a bilateral visit.


• 2011– President Asif Ali Zardari visited Nur-Sultan (Former Astana) on 14-15 June 2011 to attend SCO Summit.

• 2019– Kazakh Foreign Minister, Mukhtar Tileuberdi called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the margins of the 74^thUNGA in New York.


• 2017-Askar Myrzakhmetov, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan visited Pakistan to attend the 13^th ECO Summit on 1^st March 2017.

2. Pakistan’s decision to recognize Kosovo is based on the principle of self-determination made in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kosovo. Pakistan’s Ambassador in Turkey is accredited to Kosovo. Similarly, Kosovo’s Ambassador in Ankara is concurrently accredited to Islamabad.

3. In 2009, Pakistan supported membership of Kosovo to International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. Recently, Kosovo has sought Pakistan’s support for its application for membership to the INTERPOL. Pakistan voted in favour of Kosovo’s membership application during the INTERPOL General Assembly meeting held on 20 November 2018. However, Kosovo failed to obtained the required two-thirds votes of the INTERPOL General Assembly.

4. Pakistan recently also expressed support for Kosovo’s membership of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institution (INTOSAI). No MoUs/Agreements have been signed between the two countries so far. However, both sides are currently working on a number of drafts MoUs.

5. Exchange of leadership level visits between the two countries has not taken place so far. However, Ministerial level visits have taken place. Pakistan’s Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Malik Amad Khan visited Kosovo as a Special Envoy of the President of Pakistan on 18 January, 2013 to formally convey Pakistan’s decision to recognize Kosovo.

6. The Foreign Minister of Kosovo, H.E. Enver Hoxhaj undertook a visit to Pakistan on 10-11 March 2014. During this visit, he called on the President and the Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs. This was the first high-level visit between the two countries after Pakistan recognized Kosovo in December 2012.

7. During the talks, both sides expressed their desire to build a long-term and broad-based relationship. Special emphasis was also laid on developing bilateral economic and commercial relations and increasing people-to-people contact.

8. On 29 August, 2014, President Mamnoon Hussain held a bilateral meeting with his Kosovar counterpart, Ms. Atifete Jahjaga during his visit to Ankara for the oath-taking ceremony of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Kosovo President expressed gratitude to Pakistan for recognizing Kosovo as an independent country and sought Pakistan’s support for obtaining the membership of the UN and OIC, for which Kosovo qualifies with a 90% Muslim population.

9. The first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo H.E. Mr. Hashim Thaci was scheduled to visit Pakistan from 9-12 June 2015. However, the visit was postponed on request by the Kosovar side due to developments, which required his presence in the country. In the recent months, Kosovo’s leadership has expressed desire to visit Pakistan and to increase leadership level contacts.

10. The inaugural session of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between Pakistan and Kosovo was held on 6-7 April 2017 at Pristina which was an important stepping-stone.

11. The deliberations covered a wide spectrum of issues pertaining to Kosovo-Pakistan bilateral relations including, inter alia, the latest political and economic developments in the respective regions; steps required for the establishment of legal and institutional frameworks between the two sides; increasing the frequency of high-level contacts, including between the respective Parliaments; strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations; as well as possible cooperation in the multilateral organizations.

• The then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif paid a two-day official visit to Kuwait on 6-7 March 2017.
• The Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, visited Kuwait on 18-19 May 2019 at invitation of the then Foreign Minister of Kuwait, H.E Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al-Sabah.

• Kuwaiti Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jabir Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah visited Pakistan on 10-11 November 2013 on the invitation of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
• The Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al-Sabah, paid his first State visit to Pakistan on 19-20 June 2006. This was the first visit of a Kuwaiti Amir to Pakistan in three decades.

• 2019- PM visited Bishkek to attend the SCO Heads of State Summit (June 2019). He held bilateral meetings with Kyrgyz.


• 2019- Foreign Minister recently visited Bishkek to participated in the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting on 21-21 May, 2019. He also held sideline meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart.


• 2018– President of Pakistan met the President of Kyrgyz Republic in Turkey in October 2018 on the sidelines of the event commemorating the 95^thanniversary of Turkey’s formation.


• 2015- Former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Kyrgyz Republic from 21-22 May 2015.

• 2017- Jeenbekov Sooranbai, the then Prime Minister and now President of the Kyrgyz Republic visited Islamabad to participate in the 13^thECO Summit held on 1 March 2017.


• 2017-Arzybek Kozhoshev, Minister of Economy of Kyrgyz Republic visited Pakistan to participate in the 3rd Session of Joint Ministerial Commission on 11-12 January 2017

With resident Missions in four countries of Latin America, i.e., Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Cuba, Pakistan’s relations with the region have traditionally been based on commonality of objectives and shared interests on several regional and international issues as well as close cooperation in the international fora, especially the United Nations.

Brazil:

2.              Pakistan and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1949. Both countries have resident Missions in each other’s countries. The two countries enjoy cordial and friendly relations with a shared perception on global issues and also cooperate at international forums, inter alia, about supporting each other’s candidacies.

3.              Economically, Brazil is the powerhouse of Latin America. During 2020, Pakistan’s exports to Brazil were US$ 65.8 million while imports from Brazil were equivalent to US$ 909 million. Pakistan’s major exports to Brazil include cotton fabrics, inflatable balls, bed linen, medical and surgical instruments, leather goods, copper, rubber tyres, motorcycle accessories, polyester yarn etc while main items of Brazilian exports to Pakistan include soya bean oil, raw cotton, iron waste and machinery etc.

4.              There are separate Pakistan-Brazil Friendship Groups in the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan. Pakistan and Brazil have signed agreement to grant exemption to the diplomats of the two countries from visa of respective countries.

5.              Around 650 Pakistanis are residing in Brazil. While 200 live in the five Countries of accreditation i.e. Bolivia-40, Colombia-80, Guyana 25, Suriname 25 and Venezuela 40.

Mexico:

6.              Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Mexico were established in 1955. Pakistan has its embassy in Mexico while the embassy of Mexico based in Tehran is accredited to Pakistan. The vigor of relationship between Pakistan and Mexico is reflected by the fact that in September 2015, the Mexican Senate held a “Week of Pakistan” to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between both nations.

7.              During 2020, value of Pakistani exports to Mexico stood at US$ 66.3 million while imports from Mexico remained equal to US$ 112 million. Major exports of Pakistan to Mexico include cotton, textiles, leather goods, spices, toys, dental and sports goods etc. The import products from Mexico include machinery, articles of iron or steel, wood pulp, fibrous cellulosic material, roots and tubers, plastic articles and chemicals etc.

8.              A Parliamentary Friendship Group between Pakistan and Mexico was formally launched in the Mexican Chamber of Deputies (Lower House) in 2010. Pakistan also has separate Pak-Mexico Friendships Group in the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan.

9.              Both countries have signed an agreement of visa abolition for diplomatic and official passport holders. There are 300 Pakistani families in Mexico.

Argentina

10.            Pakistan and Argentina established diplomatic relations in 1951. Both countries have resident Missions in each other’s capitals. The two countries enjoy friendly and cordial relations characterized by cooperation at international fora, shared perceptions and understanding on most major global and regional issues.

11.            During 2020, Pakistan’s exports to Argentina remained US$ 31.5 million while Argentina’s exports to Pakistan valued at US$ 107.8 million. Pakistan traditionally exports textile products, surgical instruments, sports goods and leather products to Argentina while soybean oil/seed has been a major export by Argentina to Pakistan in addition to compressed natural gas equipment, pharmaceuticals and raw cotton.

12.            Pakistan and Argentina held 4th round of Bilateral Political Consultations on 22nd October 2020 via video conference. During the Consultations, a wide range of bilateral, regional and multilateral matters of mutual interest were discussed. 2021 marks the 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Argentina. Both countries are in contact to celebrate the seven decades of friendship in a befitting manner.

13.            Pakistan-Argentina Friendship Groups in the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan have also been constituted. Both countries have signed an agreement for exemption of visa to diplomats and officials of the two countries.

14.            Pakistani Community in Argentina consists of 10-15 families.

Cuba:

15.            Pakistan and Cuba established diplomatic relations in 1955. Pakistan has its embassy in Havana. Likewise, Cuba has a resident Mission in Islamabad. The relationship between two countries is marked with active dialogue between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, support to candidatures in multilateral organizations and cooperation in the social and cultural fields. Pakistan and Cuba have historically been coordinating closely at the UN, NAM and G-77. 

16.            Pakistan appreciates Cuba’s generous and unprecedented relief assistance during and after the October 2005 earthquake. As a token of goodwill towards the people of Cuba, Pakistan gifted 15,000 Metric Tons of rice to the people of Cuba. Pakistan conferred its highest civil award, Nishan-i-Pakistan on late Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz on 23^rd March, 2018 in recognition of his outstanding contribution in strengthening fraternal relations between Pakistan and Cuba.

 17.            There are separate Pakistan-Cuba Friendship Groups in the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan. Agreement on visa abolition for diplomatic and official passport holders of Pakistan and Cuba was signed in October 2019 during visit of the Cuban Vice President to Pakistan.

2. Five rounds of Bilateral Political Consultations have been held between the two countries. The 4^th round was held in Islamabad in December 2016 and the 5^th in Riga in May 2019.


3. The Foreign Minister of Latvia paid a visit to Islamabad in December 2015 to attend the 5^th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul process.


4. Bilateral trade between the two countries in 2017 was US$ 23.44 million with exports from Pakistan amounting to US$5.54 million.


5. As per the recent figures there are 168 Pakistani nationals residing in Latvia including 75 students.

2. There have been no high level visits between the two countries. The last highest level interaction was seven years ago on the sidelines of the Davos Summit on 30 January 2009, when Prime Minister Syed Yusaf Raza Gillani met the former President of Lithuania, Mr. Valdas Adamkus. The only ministerial level visit from Lithuania, has been the visit of Lithuania’s Minister for Economy to Pakistan on 26-28 September 1999, while from our side, Former Minister for Human Rights, Mr. Kamran Micheal attended the first ASEM Conference ‘Women’s Economic Empowerment: Creating Equal Opportunities in the World of Work’ in Vilnius on 25-26 May 2017.


3. A four member Pakistan Senate delegation led by Senator Dr. Mehar Taj Roghani, participated in the “Women Political Leaders (WPL) Summit 2018”, held in Vilnius on June 6-8, 2018.

4. The 6^th round of Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Islamabad on 23 October 2018. The Pakistan side was led by Ambassador Zaheer A. Janjua, Additional Secretary (Europe), while Ambassador Eduardas Borisovas, Director for Latin America, Africa, Asia and Pacific Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed the Lithuanian side. Both sides reviewed the progress made on the decisions made during the 5^th round of Bilateral Consultations, and agreed to enhance and strengthen their relations and bilateral cooperation in various areas.

5. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Lithuania is not substantive, however the balance of trade has remained in Pakistan’s favour. In 2018 the total bilateral trade stood at US $ 47.019 million with Pakistan’s exports at US $ 41.496 million and imports at US $ 5.523million.


6. Pakistan’s main exports to Lithuania are rice, cotton fabrics, textile, medical and pharmaceutical products, and synthetic fabrics. Our imports include fertilizer, machinery and old clothing.

7. In a follow-up of the 5^th Session of Bilateral Political Consultations, the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, as well as the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has shown willingness of the following Universities of Pakistan to collaborate with Lithuanian Universities:

• National College of Business Administration & Economics, Lahore.
• University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
• NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
• National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad
• Government College Women University, Faisalabad

8. The details have been forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, with a request to share the information with the concerned educational institutions in Lithuania, for the possibility of signing MOUs between the institutions of the two countries.

9. There are around 150 Pakistanis living in Lithuania. This includes 15-20 Pakistani students who are studying at the Kaunas University of Medicine in the city of Kaunas.

2. Pakistan and Luxemburg have been cooperating at international fora. Luxembourg maintains a very strong commitment to multilateralism and considers it critical for durable peace and security. It strongly supports strengthening of the EU and within its framework, works towards promotion of fundamental freedoms, human rights and rule of law. On issues concerning Pakistan such as Kashmir, Luxembourg follows the EU position. On the question of Security Council reforms, it supports the G-4 position primarily to accommodate Germany.

3. Luxembourg supported Pakistan’s bid for GSP plus status in 2013, both at the official level in the European Commission and Council and at the political level in the European Parliament.

4. Bilateral high-level exchanges between the two countries have been limited. There have been contacts at the sidelines of major international events, like meetings between the Foreign Ministers of Luxembourg and Pakistan on the sidelines of the UNGA. Last high level visit from Pakistan was by the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs for participation in the 12^th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Luxembourg, held from 5-6 November 2015.

5. A delegation led by Foreign Minister of Luxemburg Mr. Jean Asselborn visited Pakistan in March 2019 and had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan. He also paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister.

6. Trade between Pakistan and Luxembourg has remained limited. Nearly 75 percent of Luxembourg’s trade is with fellow member states of the European Union. Pak-Luxembourg bilateral trade for the year 2018 was €7.62 million.

7. Luxembourg supported Pakistan’s candidature to the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2018-20. Luxembourg also supported our candidature to the UN Security Council for the term 2012-13 in return to our support its UNSC candidature for the term 2013-14.  Luxembourg extended unconditional support to our ECOSOC candidature for the terms 2011-12, 2015-17 and 2019-21.

8. Pakistani Community in Luxembourg comprises around 110 families. Most of them are professionals working in banks, financial institutions and multinational companies. Some have their own businesses.

2. Pakistan has been offering Advanced and Senior level training programs for Macedonian diplomats at the Foreign Service Academy, Islamabad. Moreover, a number of Macedonian government officials have received training at public policy institutes in Pakistan. A wrestling team from Pakistan also participated in 31^st World Military Wrestling Championship in Macedonia in September 2016.

3. In order to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks to expand bilateral cooperation in various sectors, MoUs/Agreements between the two Foreign Ministries, as well as trade, investment, and taxation treaties are under negotiations between the two countries.

4. Further areas of cooperation, under active consideration, include promotion of Parliamentary exchanges and establishment of Parliamentary Friendship Groups.

2. Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and became a Republic in 1974; Malta was admitted to the European Union in 2004. It is member of the Schengen Group and became part of the Eurozone in 2008.

3. Malta, which has a population of 400,000, is the European Union’s smallest state. According to the electoral commission of Malta about 92 percent of the island’s 342,000 eligible voters can cast vote.

4. Pakistan’s relations with Malta have been friendly and cooperative ever since its independence from Britain in 1964.Both Pakistan and Malta do not maintain resident diplomatic missions in each other’s capital. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Malta is resident in Tunis.

5. Trade volume between both the countries remains at about US $16.5 Million. The economic content is expected to grow after revival of the Joint Commission and signing of the bilateral cooperation agreement between National Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Malta and Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FPCCI).

6. Since its membership of European Union in 2004, Malta’s significance for Pakistan has increased. It strongly supported Pakistan’s bid for EU GSP Plus status in December 2013.From 1^st January, 2017 to 30^th June, 2017, Malta was the President of European Unionand remained part of the EU Consul of Ministers from July 2016 to December 2017.

7. Inaugural round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Malta was held in Valletta on 06 December 2019. The Special Secretary (Europe) led the Pakistan side.

8. The migration of the Pakistani community in Malta started from 70s. Presently, there are nearly 500 Pakistanis living in Malta and are working in various professionals i.e. Health Sector, IT Sector, Services Sector etc.

2. Pakistan-Moldova bilateral trade currently stands at US$ 4.579 million (January-November, 2018). In 2018, Pakistan’s exports to Moldova witnessed 68.44% increase as compared to 2017. A brief glimpse of the bilateral trade statistics during 2013-2018 is as under:

3. Pakistan’s major exports to Moldova include textiles, pharmaceutical products, cereal, toys, games and sports articles, artificial fibers etc. Pakistan’s major imports from Moldova include edible vegetables, some roots and tubers as well as cereals.

4. The Pakistan community in Moldova comprises of around 10-15 Pakistanis individuals.

2. Pakistan holds an important place in Netherland’s foreign policy paradigm, primarily due to its geo-strategic location; the enhanced importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC and increasing bilateral trade and investment. Netherlands has been a constant supporter of GSP plus status for Pakistan.

3. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands visited Pakistan as a Special Representative of UN Secretary General on Inclusive Finance in February 2016. The visit generated a lot of positive interest about Pakistan in the Dutch media and helped remove misconceptions about Pakistan’s law and order situation. It was the first visit of any Dutch Royal family member to Pakistan since 1962 when Crown Princess Beatrix had visited Pakistan.  Queen Maxima once again visited Pakistan in her capacity as UNSGSA on Inclusive Finance in December 2019.

4. Pakistan and the Netherlands have institutionalized their relationship by establishing the mechanism of Bilateral Political Consultations since 2010. The 7th round of Bilateral Consultations was held in The Hague on 09 December 2019. During the consultations, the two sides, reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explored various possibilities of further strengthening political, economic, education and cultural ties. They also exchanged views on global and regional issues.

5. According to the figures available with the State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan’s exports to Netherlands during July 2018- March 2019 touched US $ 779 million, while Pakistan’s imports in the same period from Netherlands remained at US$1048 million. The top Pakistani commodities exported to Netherlands include Textile, apparels, cotton, leather and travel goods, beverages, cereals, sports requisites and footwear.

6. A Parliamentary Friendship Group exists in the Senate of Pakistan with Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah as its convener. The parliamentary Friendship Group in the National Assembly is convened by Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam.

7. Pakistan concluded an agreement with the Netherlands on Dual Nationality in the 1990s. However, subsequently the Dutch Government did not ratify the agreement and adopted a policy to limit the cases of dual nationality. Notwithstanding the stance of the Dutch government, our government does recognize the right of Pakistani citizens to retain their citizenship after they acquire Dutch nationality. However, on the direction of Dutch government a large number of Pakistanis apply for renunciation of Pakistani citizenship after they are granted Dutch nationality.

8. The Pakistani community in the Netherlands is generally viewed by the Dutch government as law abiding and peaceful. The estimated number of Pakistanis residing in the Netherlands is often quoted around 40,000. A very few could get Dutch citizenship in 1990s.

2. The Prime Minister Imran Khan and Prime Minister Erna Solbergmet on the sidelines of the 74^th session of UNGA in New York on 26 September 2019.

3. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met the Norwegian Foreign Minister, Ine Eriksen Soreide, in Doha in February 2020. The two leaders also met on the sidelines of Sir Bani Yas Forum in Abu Dhabi on 18 November 2018. The two Foreign Ministers stressed the need to further promote bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest, including political, economic, trade and investment, education, culture and parliamentary exchanges. Foreign Minister Qureshi invited Norwegian companies to invest in Pakistan in renewable energy, water and waste management, fisheries, and ports and shipping, and emulate the successful business model of Telenor in the country.

4. Pakistan and Norway have a mechanism of Annual Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between the Foreign Ministries at the level of Additional Secretary. These consultations take place regularly and nine rounds have been held so far. The 10^th round of talks was held in Islamabad on 04 April 2019 and the next round is expected in Oslo.

5. The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Norway in 2019 was US$123.91million. The total exports of Pakistan to Norway were US$99.79 million and imports from Norway were US$24.24 million with a balance of trade in Pakistan’s favour.

6. Norway views Pakistan as an attractive investment destination apart from a trade partner. There are around 10 Norwegian companies with businesses in Pakistan. Telenor is the largest Norwegian firm with investments over US$ 3.5 billion and creating 2,400 direct and 25,000 indirect jobs in Pakistan.

7. Norway is a member of European Free Trade Association (EFTA) along with Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Pakistan and EFTA states signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation (JDC) on 12 November 2012 to promote economic cooperation. The EFTA Ministerial Meeting held in Iceland on 25 June 2018, the EFTA Ministers supported the continuation of discussions with Pakistan with a view to exploring the possibility of future trade negotiations. Accordingly, EFTA proposed engaging in a scoping exercise, which would become a basis for decisions on the next steps toward FTA. The Pakistan side, represented by Ministry of Commerce, accepted the offer to engage in a scoping exercise with EFTA. Later, in November 2018 a draft scoping paper was proposed by EFTA, stating that the next meeting between Pakistan and EFTA states could be held after written comments from Pakistan on the draft paper were received. The Ministry of Commerce after examining the scoping paper shared its findings with the WTO Mission for sharing with EFTA. The response from EFTA is awaited.

8. Currently, there are around 300 Pakistani students enrolled in Norwegian universities in Masters and PhD programmes, particularly in the Sciences, Engineering and Medical Sciences departments.

9. Presently, there are around 50,000 Pakistani residing in Norway, making Pakistanis the single largest resident immigrant community in Norway. Pakistanis are engaged almost in every field, including police service, airlines, banks, teaching, medical, engineering, journalism, media and politics etc. Presently, three Pakistanis are elected members of the Norwegian Parliament.

• The Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs visited Oman in September 2016, at the invitation of the Omani Government.
• Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited Muscat from 29-31 January 2019 to co-chair the 7^th session of Pak-Oman JMC.
• Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sahibzada Noor ul Haq Qadri visited Muscat, Oman from 1^st to 3^rd November, 2019.

• His Majesty (late) Sultan Qaboos bin Said visited Pakistan in April 2001.
• The Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs of Oman, H.E. Yousuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah visited Pakistan from 7-8 May 2017.
• Minister for Endowment and Religious Affairs of Oman, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Abdullah Assalami, visited Pakistan on 7-8 January 2020 at the invitation of his counterpart.

2. The Foreign Minister held a telephonic conversation with his Polish counterpart on 12 August 2019 to discuss the human rights situation in IOJ&K.

3. At the invitation of the Polish Government, the former Federal Minister for Defence Mr. Khurram Dastgir paid an official visit to Warsaw from 17-19 April 2018. The key highlight of the visit was the signing of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement, which has been in the works for past many years.

4. The MoU on Bilateral Political Consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and Poland was signed on 11 February 2004. The mechanism provides good opportunity to review bilateral relations and find new avenues for mutual cooperation. The 7^th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Warsaw on 12 December 2019. Special Secretary (Europe) Dr. Aman Rashid and Under Secretary of State for Eastern Policy and Asian Policy Marcin Przydacz led their respective delegations.

5. The volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Poland during 2018 was US $ 537.86 million. Exports from Pakistan to Poland were worth US $ 424.03 million. Pakistan imported from Poland goods of worth US $ 113.56.

6. The main items which exported from Pakistan to Poland include oil seeds, salt, sulphur, ores, stones, plastering material, leather products, cotton, man-made staple fibers, articles of apparel & clothing accessories, other textile made ups, carpets & other floor coverings, surgical instruments, cutlery, aluminum & articles thereof and sports goods .

7. Poland’s exports to Pakistan include items like products of animal origin, dairy products, flour, milk products, rubber and articles thereof, ceramic products, pharmaceuticals, organic/inorganic chemicals, machinery and auto parts.

8. Polish Oil & Gas Company exploration in Pakistan PGNiG has been conducting petroleum exploration and production activities in Pakistan since 1997. In 2015, PGNIG discovered the Rizk Gas Field which was the second Tight Gas Field in the Kirthar Block. PGNIG has so far invested more than US$ 125 million in Pakistan including construction of over 50 kilometer gas transport pipeline and Rehman Gas production facility. PGNIG as in active pursuit to increase its footprint in Pakistan upstream Oil and Gas sector and as also interested to develop the Shale deposits in the country.

9. The newly independent Pakistan needed professional pilots to train its own air force. Air Commodore Wladyslaw Turowicz and other Polish pilots in England were invited to Pakistan. Air Commodore Turowicz, Capt. Zofia Turowicz, Capt. Banach, Capt. Kaczmarek, Capt. Hrycak and Mr. and Mrs. Mikulski were some of the brave Polish Air Force officers who helped in laying the foundation of Pakistan Air Force. Air Commodore Turowicz died in Pakistan. It was due to their untiring efforts that by 1956, 21 young Pakistani pilots were trained to fly. Wladyslaw Turowicz also laid the foundation of SUPARCO. He fought in 1965 war and won the title of Defender of Lahore. He was awarded eight medals for his exemplary services for the defence of Pakistan and for the development of its aero-space industry.

10. At the invitation of Lt. Gen J. Mika General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces the Chief of the Army Staff (CAOS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Poland from 18-22 June 2018. The programme including bilateral meetings as well as visits to the training areas and demonstration of Polish defence technology and equipment. He met with Defence Minister, Deputy Defence Minister in-charge of defence production and General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces. He also visited the office of state-run Polish Armaments Groups (PGZ).

11. Air Marshall Arshad Mehmood Vice Chief of Air Staff along with a delegation of Pakistan Air Force participated in the ceremonies to mark the centenary of Polish Air Force on 23-27 August 2018. The Pakistani delegation brought two JF-17 and one super-Mushaq with them for the air show. Another visit of Chief of Air Staff to Poland is in the pipeline.

12. Inspector of the Polish Air Force visited Pakistan. Major General Jan Mrek Sliwaka, Deputy General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces visited Pakistan from 15-18 October 2018 on the invitation of Director General Joint Staff. Moreover, a delegation of Polish Armament Group participates in Karachi Defence Expo.

13. The Program for Cooperation in the fields of Science, Education and Culture between Pakistan and Poland was signed in April 2007. The Program provided a sound base for cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture between Pakistan and Poland. In education cooperation Polish universities have signed various MoUs with Pakistani universities in many fields including social sciences and humanities, management sciences, medical education, and engineering.

14. As per the information received from Polish Office of Foreigners, the total number of legal Pakistanis in Poland is 995. Most of them are students, few professionals working in multinational companies and banks; and some are running small businesses of their own.

2. In addition to the mainland, Portugal’s territory also includes the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, two archipelagos located in the Atlantic Ocean. Portuguese border have remained unchanged since the XIII Century, making Portugal one of the oldest countries in the world with nearly 900 years of history that clearly demonstrates its strong identity and internal cohesion. Portugal covers an area of 92,226 square km with population of 10.309 million.

3. Pakistan and Portugal established diplomatic relations on 7 November 1949. Pakistan and Portugal relations are traditionally friendly. At the international level, both countries are partners on several issues of global concern and work for the promotion of global peace and security.

4. Pakistan and Portugal has signed bilateral agreements relating to air services, trade, mutual investment & protection of investment, avoidance of double taxation, avoidance & prevention of fiscal evasion and a protocol of cooperation between the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan and the Portuguese Diplomatic Institute.

5. The first round of Pakistan-Portugal Bilateral Political Consultations was held at Lisbon on 06 September, 2016. The second round of Pakistan-Portugal Bilateral Consultations was held in Islamabad on 30 January 2018.

6. For the year 2019, total trade between Pakistan and Portugal touched €181.5 million.

7. The Pakistan-Portuguese Parliamentary Friendship Group has existed in the Portuguese parliament since 2006.

8. A Parliamentary Friendship Group was formed in our National Assembly soon after the May 2013 parliamentary elections and was reactivated in 2018. Pakistan also has a Parliamentary Friendship Group with Portugal at the Senate.

9. There is a fledgling Pakistani community in Portugal comprising around 5,000 people. Most of them are working in agriculture sector.

• Prime Minister Imran Khan paid an official visit to Qatar on 21-22 January 2019.
• The Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, visited Doha on 30 December 2018, on the instructions of the Prime Minister.
• Prime Minister Imran Khan paid a day-long visit to Doha on 27 February 2020.

• The Amir of Qatar paid a landmark visit to Pakistan on 23-24 March 2015.
• The father of Amir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, visited Pakistan on the invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain in January 2017. He had earlier visited Pakistan in 1984 and 1999.
• The Amir of Qatar H.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Pakistan on 22-23 June 2019 at the invitation of the Prime Minister.

2. During the past few years, the high level political interactions between Pakistan and Romania have picked up pace. The former Speaker of National Assembly of Pakistan visited Romania in March 2016. Former Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with the former Romanian Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the 11^th ASEM Summit in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on 16 July 2016. The former Minister for Defence Production of Pakistan visited Romania in August 2016.

3. Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and Romania have an institutionalized mechanism of interactions in the form of regular Bilateral Political Consultations. The 9^th round of Pakistan-Romania Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Bucharest on 05 December 2017.

4. During 2018, Pakistan-Romania trade amounted to US $70.52 million. Romania’s exports to Pakistan stood at US $ 42.135 million while Pakistan’s exports to Romania amounted to US$ 28.388 million. Pakistan is importing oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, machinery and its parts, petroleum & chemical elements as well as compounds from Romania. Pakistan’s major exports to Romania include chemical material and products, material of animal origin, cotton fabric (woven), synthetic fabrics and manufactured textile goods.

5. In July 2018, a trade mission led by the then President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry visited Bucharest. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also concluded between Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Romanian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

6. With a view to promoting Pakistani mangoes in the Romanian market, the Embassy of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organized a Mango Festival on 27 July 2019 in Bucharest.

7. Defence relations between Pakistan and Romania are witnessing robust cooperation. In recent years, both sides have been actively participating in defence-related exhibitions held in the two countries. A bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and Romania entered into force in 2016.

8. Pakistan and Romania have established a mechanism of Joint Military Committee for overseeing enhanced bilateral defence cooperation. The 3^rd round of this Committee is scheduled to be held in Bucharest on mutually convenient dates.

9. Pakistan and Romania are currently negotiating a draft Programme of Cooperation in the fields of Education, Culture, Mass-media, Youth and Sports.

10. With the aim of marking Pakistan’s cultural footprint in Romania, the first Pakistan Film Festival was organized by the Mission from 19-21 January 2018 in the Bucharest. Its second edition was held from 30-31 March 2019 in Bucharest. In 2017, the Embassy had arranged a ‘Pakistan FlashMob’ in Bucharest. The first ever Pakistan Golf Cup was organized by the Mission on 15 July 2018 in Bucharest. In addition to the above, Embassy of Pakistan actively participates in different Multicultural diplomatic festivals organized in Bucharest.

11. The Pakistan community in Romania comprises of around 150 individuals. These include Pakistanis with such diverse background as professionals, businessmen, traders, shopkeepers and students.

2. Prime Minister Imran Khan met Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of Russia on the sidelines of the First China International Import Expo-2018 in Shanghai on 5 November 2018.

3. Prime Minister Imran Khan held an informal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek on 13 June 2019.

4. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited Moscow from 25-26 December 2018 and held delegation level talks with his Russian counterpart on 26 December 2018.

5. Foreign Minister Qureshi held meeting with his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Bishkek on 22 May 2019. The two Foreign Ministers signed a Joint Statement on No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space.

6. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on the Prime Minister on the sidelines of the 74^th session of UNGA at New York on 26 September 2019. Prime Minister reiterated his invitation for President Putin to visit Pakistan.

7. Pakistan and Russia have strong institutional mechanisms in place for cooperation in diverse fields, including through Pakistan- Russia Strategic Dialogue, Pakistan- Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Joint Working Group on Energy Cooperation, Joint Working Group on Trade, Joint Coordination Committee on North–South Gas Pipeline, Consultative Group on Strategic Stability, Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, Consular Consultations and Consultations on Regional Issues.

8. In the field of energy, the two countries are actively pursuing collaboration. Pakistan and Russia have signed Agreements/MoUs related to the construction of North-South gas pipeline and supply of LNG and air mix plants. Other projects such as for construction of a 600 MW combined cycle power plant and gas-fired power plants are under discussion.  A Joint Working Group on Energy was also established within the framework of IGC. The sixth session was held in Islamabad on 27 December 2018.

9. The volume of bilateral trade in 2019 (Jan-Oct) reached US$ 660.2 million. Pakistan exports to Russia in 2019 (Jan-Oct) stood at US$ 321.9 million and Pakistan imports from Russia were US$ 257.5 million.

10. The First ever Pakistan-Russia joint military exercise Frienship-2016 was held from 23 September-10 October 2016 in Cherat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. About 70 Russian ground troops participated in the event. The second edition Friendship-2017 was held in Southern Russia from 23 September-04 October 2017. The third edition Friendship-III was held from 22 October- 4 November 2018 at Cherat and Pabbi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The fourth edition of Druzhba-IV-2019 will be held in Russia in October/November 2019.


11. The two navies also held two editions of Arabian Monsoon counter narcotics naval exercise in the Arabian Sea in November 2014 and December 2015 respectively. In 2018, the third edition of Arabian Monsoon was held during IDEAS-2018. A Russian warship participated in multilateral naval exercise AMAN-2017 from 10-14 February 2017. Pakistan Navy Ship ASLAT participated in Russian Naval Day celebrations in St. Petersburg in August 2018.

12. Pursuant to the Agreement on Cooperation in the fields of Culture, Science and Education signed on 8 July 1997, the two sides signed a Programme to Implement Cultural, Educational and Scientific Exchanges for the period of 2003-2006 which was renewed for the period of 2007-2009. Currently, the draft of the Programme for renewal/extension is under consideration of the two sides.


13. An MoU on Scientific and Technical cooperation was signed during the fourth session of IGC meeting held in Islamabad in November 2015. The Russian Ministry of Science and Education regularly offers scholarships to Pakistani students (both bachelors as well as postgraduate level studies) in various Russian universities and institutions. Russian government has offered 17 scholarships to Pakistani students in 2019.

2. San Marino is a parliamentary democracy that is governed by two Captains Regent which are both Heads of State and Heads of Government. They are chosen from opposing parties to maintain the balance of power.


3. The Captains Regent are elected by an absolute majority of the votes cast by Parliamentarians in a secret ballot. The couple obtaining the absolute majority of votes is elected. A Captain Regent may be no less than 25 years of age, may not have held this position in the preceding three years (the so-called “law of prohibition”) and has to be a San Marino citizen by origin (that is to say citizenship acquired at birth).

4. Despite being a small country, San Marino has a strong economy with a nominal GDP of $1.489 billion (2015) and GDP (per capita) of $45, 200/- (2015). It has no national debt and an employment rate of nearly 92%. Its primary trade partner is Italy with its exports at 84.7% and imports at 81.1 %. The top exports of San Marino are Washing and Bottling Machines ($28M), Woodworking Machines ($12.3M), Packaged Medicaments ($8.39M), Light Pure Woven Cotton ($5.68M) and Other Non-Knit Clothing Accessories ($5.53M). Top imports are Coated Flat-Rolled Iron ($20.6M), Petroleum Gas ($20.1M), Other Footwear ($19.6M) and Raw Aluminium ($19.2M).


5. Though not being part of the EU, San Marino has a Customs Union Agreement with the EU since 1st April 2002. Under this agreement, a customs union was established by abolishing import and export duties and charges having equivalent effect between San Marino and the EU. San Marino applies the common customs tariff to goods coming from third countries, as well as the common commercial policy and the Community regulations on trade in agricultural products and Community veterinary, phytosanitary and quality regulations.

6. The relations between the two countries were established under the “Agreement between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of San Marino on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations”. It was signed on 12 April 2006 in Rome.


7. Ms. Tasnim Aslam was the first Ambassador of Pakistan accredited to the Republic of San Marino. In January 2016, Ambassador to Italy Mr. Nadeem Riyaz presented his credentials to the Captains Regent, Ms. Lorella Stefanelli and Mr. Nicola Renzi.


8. During his visit from 30^th March to 1^st April 2017, Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz met with the Sammarinese Foreign Minister and Ex-Captain Regent, Mr. Nicola Renzi. He also attended a seminar titled “The Integration of European Third Countries in the Single Market: the small sized states”.

9. To promote the culture of Pakistan, the Embassy in collaboration with the Secretary of State of the Republic of San Marino had also organized an exhibition on Pictorial Books on Pakistan in March 2016 at Palazzo Graziani, City of San Marino. The exhibition displayed various facets of Pakistan through books by different authors from around the world. It comprised nearly a 100 books on archaeology, history, mountains, calligraphy, visual arts, cities, defence, cuisine and music.

• Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman paid a State Visit to Pakistan on 17-18 February 2019 which resulted in the launching of Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC) to be headed by Prime Minister and the Crown Prince.
• The Foreign Minister of UAE HH Abdullah bin Zayed and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HE Mr. Adel Al Jubeir visited Islamabad on 4 September 2019 with the objective of discussing the evolving situation in IOJ&K and to discuss possible actions to ease off tensions between India and Pakistan.
• Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Saudi Arabia on 19-20 September 2019 while going to New York to attend the 74^th Session of UNGA.
• As part of his initiative for peace and security in the region, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Saudi Arabia on 15 October 2019 following his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Saudi Arabia on 14 December 2019 where he held wide-ranging consultations with Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Salman covering bilateral mattersand developments in the regional context.
• Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited Saudi Arabia on 13 January 2020, on the instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, to meet with his counterpart His Highness Faisal Bin Farhan al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to exchange views on the unfolding developments in the Middle East.
• In addition, frequent exchange of Ministerial visits and telephonic contacts between the leadership further consolidated these relations.

• Member States (Eight): Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Kyrgyz Republic, People’s Republic of China, Republic of India, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Tajikistan, Republic of Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation.
• Observer States (Four): Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Mongolia.
• Dialogue Partners (Six): Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Cambodia, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Armenia and Republic of Turkey.

• Strengthening mutual confidence and good-neighbourly relations among member countries;
• Making joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region, and
• Promoting effective cooperation in politics, trade and economy, science and technology, culture as well as education, energy, transportation, tourism, environmental protection and other fields;
• Moving towards the establishment of a new, democratic, just and rational political and economic international order.

• SCO provides a useful platform to further strengthen our ties with our regional partners and extended neighbourhood.
• Membership in SCO allows Pakistan to underscore its interest in regional peace, stability and development and our support for regional cooperation against terrorism and extremism.
• SCO allows Pakistan to explore greater economic linkages and cooperation with Central Asian countries in the areas of energy and transport and promoting Pakistan as a regional trade corridor.
• SCO membership helps us to put focus on intra-regional trade and promote connectivity. It is a good platform to give impetus to existing regional connectivity projects of Pakistan’s interest.
• It provides a forum to convey Pakistan’s perspective to SCO member states on important regional issues and find common approaches to security, stability and regional peace.

2. Pakistani community in Serbia is nominal and only 6-8 families are living in Belgrade. Serbia maintains an Honorary Consulate General in Karachi since September 2005. It has nominated a prominent businessman Mr. Tariq Rafi as Honorary Consul General.

2. The first ever bilateral political talks between the Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and the Slovak Republic were held in Bratislava on 30 November 2012. Slovak Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) also attended. Each side agreed to augment their cooperation and coordination at various international forums, including on Afghanistan. The last meeting was held in Bratislava on 4 June 2015.

3. The Pakistan-Slovak bilateral trade is modest, but gradually rising. In 2018, the total bilateral trade amounted to €48 million. Pakistan had a positive trade balance with the Slovak Republic amounting to € 24 million, with exports worth €36 million and imports amounting to €12 million.

4. Pakistan’s major exports to the Slovak Republic have been cotton yarn, clothing, footwear with synthetic sole, sports items and chromium ores. Major items of import from the Slovak Republic include motor engines for special use, synthetic silk/rayon fibre, polyester fibre, products of iron and steel, ball bearing and motor vehicle parts.

5. Pakistan and the Slovak Republic have agreements on Cultural Cooperation and Visa Abolition (for diplomatic and official passport holders only). Agreements on bilateral Economic Cooperation and Air Services are under consideration between the two countries.
   

6. The Slovak government offered material humanitarian assistance to the flood victims in Pakistan in November 2011. A number of Slovak NGOs were involved in the relief effort operated in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan between the years 2010 and 2011. They helped disburse the Slovak material assistance under the aegis of the Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation (SAID).

7. There is a small Pakistani community in the Slovak Republic (exact figures are not available). Most of the Pakistanis residing in Slovakia are engaged in blue collar occupations or run small businesses. A small number of Pakistanis have also acquired Slovak nationality. A few Pakistani students pursue studies in Slovak universities.

2. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the Republic of Slovenia after its independence in June 1991. The Embassy of Pakistan, Vienna was concurrently accredited to Slovenia in 1993. In 2001, Government of Pakistan decided to shift Slovenia’s concurrent accreditation from Vienna to Rome. Slovenia opened an Honorary Consulate General in Karachi in 2007.

3. Pakistan’s exports to Slovenia have steadily been rising over the past fifteen years as has been the volume of two-way trade. Recently, the Balance of Trade has also turned in Pakistan’s favour. Trade figures for the past three years are as under:

4. Pakistan’s major exports to Slovenia include ores and minerals, cotton yarn and fabrics, bed and table linen, toilet and kitchen linen, chemicals, leather, garments and clothing items, sports equipment. Main imports from Slovenia are machinery & equipment, compressors, fans, electric motors, generators, centrifuges, including dryers, filter, blades for machines and appliances.

5. To facilitate interaction between businessmen as well as to promote bilateral trade between the two countries, the Slovenia-Pakistan Business Alliance (SPBA) was established, in June 2012 by the business communities of the two countries.

6. The size of Pakistani community in the country is very small, numbering less than one hundred.

2. Bilateral relations with Spain were established in 1950s. However, it was in early 1990 that Pakistan took initiative to strengthen its relations with Spain because of growing number of Pakistani diaspora in Spain.

3. An MoU on Annual Bilateral Consultations (ABC) between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Spain and Pakistan was signed in 2006. The last Round of Annual Bilateral Consultations was held in Islamabad on 15^th February 2018.

4. Pakistan-Spain bilateral trade is on upward trajectory and trade volume again crossed the US$ 1 billion mark for the calendar year 2018, fifth year in a row and same is expected for the Year 2019.

5. In 2018, Pakistan´s exports to Spain continued their positive trend and amounted to US$ 1099.06, an increase of 28.07% when compared to last year’s same period. For this period, total trade between Pakistan and Spain stood at US$ 1382.99 million (+39.09%), while the balance of trade remains heavily in Pakistan favor by US$ 815.13 million.

6. Spain and Pakistan enjoy shared outlook and commonality of views on a number of international forums especially the United Nations. Both countries support each other´s candidatures at a number of UN bodies.

7. The presence of about 100,000 Pakistanis adds a special dimension to our bilateral relations. Pakistani community began to settle in Spain, mainly in the city of Barcelona, in 1990s. The majority of Pakistani community resides in the region of Catalonia (in and around Barcelona).

2. The last major visit from Pakistan to Sweden was by former President Pervez Musharraf in 2004. However, there has been regular interaction between the leadership of the two countries on the sidelines of the major international events.

3. Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Sweden started in November 1992. The 16^th round of Pakistan-Sweden Bilateral Political Consultation was held in Islamabad on 11 March 2020. Dr Aman Rashid, Special Secretary (Europe) and Ms. Cecilia Ruthstrom-Ruin, Head of Department for Asia and the Pacific from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs led their respective delegations.

4. The volume of bilateral trade in 2019 stood at US$ 499 million. Pakistan’s exports to Sweden stood at US$ 161 million and imports from Sweden amounted to US$ 338 million.

5. Pakistan’s imports are mainly industrial goods, chemicals, machinery transport equipment, agricultural products, minerals, paper and pulp, telecommunication apparatus and defence equipment. Multinational companies like Ericsson, SAAb, Tetrapak, Volvo, ABB and Alfa, and Laval dominate the Swedish exports.

6. Pakistan’s major exports to Sweden are cotton fabrics, leather, textiles sports goods, carpets, rice and mangoes. IKEA, H&M and Lindex are major buyers of textile products and have their own offices in Pakistan.

7. Swedish multinationals, such as Ericsson, Alfa Laval and Volvo, have been present in the Pakistan market for decades, and contributed to forming strong ties between the two countries. Swedish retail companies such as Ikea and H&M are major buyers of textile products from Pakistan. Several Swedish companies have also made direct investments in Pakistan, including Tetra Pak and Stora Enso. In total, more than twenty Swedish companies are represented in the Pakistan market. Sweden invested SEK 42 million in Pakistan in 2016. Major Companies working in Pakistan are ABB, Atlas Copco, Alfa Laval, Equinox, Ericsson, Panasian Group, SAAB, VPL, Oriflame, Profarm, SKF, Tetrapack, Wah Nobel, Bulleh Shah, Ecolean, Ikea, Lindex, Pulse etc.

8. Sweden is a popular country for Pakistani students. Pakistani students are eligible to get scholarships to study in Sweden since the establishment of Swedish Institute Study Scholarships (SISS) in 2011. There is collaboration between the Swedish School of Textiles, Boras and the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), Lahore. Under this collaboration, which was started in 2007, 37 students have so far benefited.

9. There has been significant defence collaboration with Sweden which dates back to the early 1960s. Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, undertook a visit to Sweden on 18-22 June, 2019 at the invitation of the Swedish defence giant SAAB. During the visit, the Air Chief held a meeting with Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces. Brig Gen Carl-Johan Edström, Deputy Chief of Swedish Air Force held a dinner reception in honor of the visiting dignitary.

10. The Pakistani community in Sweden numbers about 18000, including those with Swedish citizenship. Some Pakistanis have done well and are working in Swedish multinational companies. The community is largely located in Gothenburg, Malmo and Stockholm. There are about 13 Associations of Pakistanis in Stockholm.

Brief

Pakistan and Switzerland enjoy close friendly relations. Diplomatic relations were established in 1949. Two countries signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement in 1966, supplemented by an Agreement on Disaster Relief in 1975. Afterwards, when Pakistan was designated a priority country for development cooperation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) opened a Cooperation Office in Islamabad in 1977. Switzerland was also a member of the Pakistan Development Forum. Pakistan received humanitarian assistance from Switzerland during the earthquake of 2005, dislocation of people from Swat valley and Malakand region in 2009 and during the floods of 2010.

Leadership Level Interaction

2. The latest highest-level inter-action took place when Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with Swiss President Ueli Maurer on the sidelines of 74^th UNGA on 23 September 2019.

Annual Bilateral Consultations between Foreign Ministries

3. The proposal to institutionalize annual bilateral consultation at Foreign Secretary level was made by Switzerland in 1996. Both countries have held 10 rounds of Annual Bilateral Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The 10^th Round was held on 26-27 February 2018 in Berne. Mr. Zaheer Aslam Janjua, Additional Secretary (Europe) led the Pakistan side whereas the Swiss side was led by Ambassador Johannes Matyassy, Assistant State Secretary for Asia Pacific at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, investment and cooperation in the fields of education, science and technology, agriculture and defence. Multilateral cooperation on key areas of interest was also discussed along with an exchange of views on important global and regional developments.

Economic Cooperation

4. The economic ties between Pakistan and Switzerland are longstanding. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Switzerland has seen a gradual increase during the last five years. According to the figures available from the Swiss authorities, the bilateral trade between both the countries during 2018 increased by 9%. The total volume of trade increased to US $ 564.42 million from US $ 518 million in 2017. Pakistan’s exports to Switzerland reached US $ 165.99 million compared to US$ 145 million in 2017. Pakistan’s significant exports to Switzerland included cotton, textile and apparel, leather goods, and beverages. Pakistani textile exports to Switzerland were at all time high and reached US $ 121 million.

5. Swiss exports to Pakistan in 2018 increased from US$ 373 million in 2017 to US$ 398.43 in 2018. The main Swiss exports to Pakistan included pharmaceutical products that increased from US$ 158 million to US $199 million. Exports of machinery and mechanical equipment, however, decreased by 30% and reached US$ 49 million; it remained the second largest component in the Swiss exports to Pakistan. Electrical Equipment decreased from US$ 22 million to US$ 14 million in 2018. Organic Chemicals’ share increased from US$ 22.98 million to US$ 27.6 million.

6. Last five year’s trade figures are as follows:

US$ Million

* SECO figures

Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC)

7. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has been working in Pakistan since 1966. It was instrumental in providing emergency relief during the devastating floods in 2010. In the aftermath of the floods, SDC initiated various projects like reconstruction of schools, provision of safe drinking water, Disaster Risk Reduction, and emergency relief. The SDC projects mainly focused in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and FATA areas. According to SDC, the Swiss Government provided US$ 10.8 million in 2018 as part of the Cooperation Strategy 2017-2019. Switzerland has planned to spend US $ 37.2 million on development cooperation as well as humanitarian aid from 2017 to closure of its bilateral operations.

Science & Technology, Culture and Education

8. Through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), Switzerland annually offers postgraduate scholarships to students from around 180 countries including Pakistan. Pakistani students are offered excellence scholarships at public universities in Switzerland. The excellence scholarships are available for studies ranging from humanities to cutting edge engineering and robotics. Around 90 Pakistani students are studying in Switzerland, most are doctorate and post-doctorate scholars and some are pursuing master degrees.

Pakistani Community in Switzerland

9. The Pakistani community in Switzerland, like their compatriots living elsewhere in the world, not only contributes to the local economy but also enriches social traditions and values while building bridges between the two societies. At the end of 2018, the total number of Pakistanis in Switzerland was 3020. Pakistani nationals who have acquired Swiss nationality are around 2000.

• 2019– PM visited Bishkek to attend the SCO Heads of State Summit (June 2019). He held bilateral meetings with Tajik President.


• 2019– Prime Minister met with the Tajik President on the sidelines of the One Belt One Road Forum held in Beijing on 26-27^thApril 2019.


• 2018-The Foreign Minister of Pakistan visited Dushanbe on 11-12 October 2018 to participate in the 17^thSCO Council of Heads of Government meeting.


• 2018-The President of Pakistan visited Dushanbe from 19-22 June 2018 and also attended the High-level International Conference, Water for Sustainable Development.


• 2017-Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ‘s visited Tajikistan on 5-6 July 2017.


• 2017-A tripartite meeting between Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Tajik President and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was held on 6 July 2017 in Dushanbe.


• 2016– Former Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Dushanbe, Tajikistan on 11-12 May 2016 to attend the Launching Ceremony of CASA-1000.


• 2015– Former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Dushanbe on 9-10 June 2015 to attend International Water Conference and for a bilateral working visit.

• 2017-Tajik President Emomali Rahmon visited Islamabad on 28 February to 1 March 2017 to attend the 13^thECO Summit.


• 2015-The Tajik President paid a high-level state visit to Pakistan on 11-13 November 2015

2. Pak-Turk relations goes back to Turkish War of Independence when the Muslims of the northwestern British Raj sent financial aid to the declining Ottoman Empire, which was followed by the formation of the Turkish Republic and the Independence of Pakistan. As a result, Pakistan has enjoyed a positive image in Turkey and amongst Turks for many decades. The close cultural, historical and military relations have expanded into deepening economic relations as both countries seek to develop their economies.


3. Turkey established diplomatic relations soon after the independence of Pakistan in 1947. Turkey was among a few countries that quickly recognized Pakistan after its independence and supported its successful bid to become a member of the United Nations. Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah expressed admiration for Turkey’s founding leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and also a desire to develop Pakistan on the Turkish model of modernism. Jinnah is honoured as a great leader in Turkey, and a major road of the Turkish capital Ankara, the Cinnah Caddesi is named after him, while roads in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Larkana are named after Atatürk.


4. There is similarity of views on most bilateral, regional and international issues of interest to both countries. Turkey supports Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute. It supports Pakistan’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Its support for Pakistan in the FATF is exemplary. It also supports Pakistan’s views on UN Security Council reform. Turkey was among the quickest responders with significant contribution during 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods in Pakistan.


5. Pakistan too has supported Turkey on Northern Cyprus, FETO, etc. Pakistan was also among the first countries to express solidarity with the Turkish leadership when a coup was attempted in Turkey on 15 July 2016. Supreme Court of Pakistan, on 13 December 2018, gave a landmark judgment declaring FETO as Terrorist Organization and handing over of Pak-Turk Schools to Turkish Maarif Foundation.


6. Pakistan-Turkey relations have been institutionalized in the form of the High-level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) and High Level Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG). There is a High Level Strategic Cooperation Council mechanism under which Summit level meetings are held every year, alternately in Turkey and Pakistan. Five rounds have been held so far and 6^th round is expected to be held in Islamabad in 2019. More than 60 agreements/protocols/MoUs in various areas have been signed under the HLSCC.


7. Total volume of bilateral trade is 322.94 million, with $132.28 million Pakistani exports, and $ 190.66 million imports). Turkish investments in Pakistan are reported as $ 2.7 billion. Numerous Turkish companies are working in Pakistan and have invested here including Arcelik, (Dawlance for $ 250 million in 2016); Zorlu Holding (56.4 MW wind energy project Jhimpir Sindh, two solar power projects of 100 MW and 200 MW at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park); M/s Hayat Kimya ($ 150 million in household products, including diapers); Al-Bayrak Group (Metrobus projects in Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Multan, major partner in Lahore Solid Waste Management project).


8. There is a significant number of Pakistani community living in Turkey which play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations especially between people to people contacts.


9. Following cities of Pakistan and Turkey have also been declared as sister cities:

• Istanbul – Lahore
• Bursa – Multan
• Islamabad – Ankara
• Multan – Konya

• 2018– Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi visited Turkmenistan on 22-23 February 2018 to attend the link-up ceremony of TAPI pipeline and associated projects.


• 2017– President of Pakistan visited Ashgabat to attend the opening ceremony of the V-Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games on 17 September 2017.


• 2016– The former Prime Minister led the Pakistani delegation on 25-26 November, 2016 to the first ever Global Conference on Sustainable Transport at Ashgabat.


• 2015– Former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Turkmenistan on 12-13 December 2015 to attend the International Conference on Neutrality and for the ground breaking ceremony of (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project.

• 2019– Turkmen Foreign Minister visited Pakistan on 12^thMarch to hold 2^nd session of BPC and signed 5 MoUs/Agreements.


• 2017– The President of Turkmenistan H.E. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited Islamabad on 28 February to 1 March 2017 to attend the 13^thECO Summit.


• 2016– President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid an official visit to Pakistan on 16-17 March 2016.

2. An MoU on Bilateral Political Consultations between the two countries was signed in March 2005. The 6^th round of the Bilateral Consultations was held in Kyiv on 6 June 2016. The next round will be held in Islamabad on mutually agreed dates.

3. Both the countries have entered into a number of Agreements including on; Trade and Economic Cooperation, Establishment of Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation and Avoidance of Double Taxation etc. Several bilateral agreements are currently at various stages of negotiations, including Promotion & Reciprocal Protection of Investment, Air Services Agreement, Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Education, Agreement on Equivalence of Degrees, and Visa Abolition Agreement for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders.

4. The initiative to bring parliamentarians of both countries closer by enhancing parliamentary interactions to strengthen bilateral relations was materialized by the end of 2013. Pakistan Friendship Group in Ukrainian Parliament and a Ukrainian Friendship Group in Pakistani Parliament were established.

5. Both countries have also formed Parliamentary Friendships Groups in their respective parliaments to further improve bilateral parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

6. Over the years, the Pakistan-Ukraine bilateral trade has steadily grown. In 2018 total bilateral trade was US $ 165.23 million. Pakistan’s exports to Ukraine were US $ 59.6 million, while imports from Ukraine were US $ 105.64 million.


7. In May 2007, our Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources visited Ukraine and signed a Protocol of Intent on Cooperation between the Petroleum Ministries of the two countries.

8. An Agreement for the Establishment of Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation was signed between the two countries on 25 July 2012 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The first session of the Joint Commission is expected to be held in the first quarter of 2020.

9. To enhance direct links between the business community of the two countries, a Pakistan-Ukraine Business Council (PUBC) has been established both in the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry; FPCCI (in 2011) and the Ukraine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; UCCI (in March 2012).

10. Defence cooperation with Ukraine is the hallmark of our bilateral relations. The Agreement on Mutual Protection of Classified Information and an MoU on Military and Defence Production Cooperation between Pakistan and Ukraine were signed in November 2006. In pursuance of the MoU, the Pakistan-Ukraine Joint Commission on Military and Defence Production Cooperation was established in 2008. The inaugural meeting of the Commission was held on 08 October 2009 in Pakistan. In May 2013, Brig Kazim Mustehsan, former Defence Attaché at the Embassy at Kyiv has been awarded the Ukrainian Air Force Medal for enhancing relations between PAF and Ukrainian Air Force.

11. Around 300-400 Pakistani students are pursuing their studies in medicine, engineering and information technology in various Ukrainian universities. As regards the legal framework of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in field of education, the Agreements on Cooperation in the Field of Education and Agreement on Equivalence of Degrees and Academic Titles are under discussion by both sides.

12. The MoU of cooperation between University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Podilya Agriculture University of Ukraine was signed in December 2014.

13. The size of Pakistani community in Ukraine is very small (around 1300-1500). Majority of the Pakistani community are engaged in running small scale businesses of textile, leather etc.

• Prime Minister Imran Khan paid official visit to UAE on 19 September 2018.
• The Prime Minister paid second visit to UAE on 18 November 2018 at the invitation of the Crown Prince. He met the Crown Prince in Abu Dhabi and Prime Minister/ Ruler of Dubai in Dubai.
• His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, paid a state visit to Pakistan on 6 January 2019. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising cabinet members and senior officials. The visit helped in rejuvenating the bilateral relations between the two countries.
• On the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the UAE on 10 February 2019, to participate in the World Government Summit 2019 as a key note speaker. He held delegation level talks with HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed.
• The UAE Government sent its Foreign Minister together with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan on 04 September 2019 to explain its position, discuss the ongoing situation in occupied Kashmir and to discuss future course of cooperation on this issue.
• The Foreign Minister met his Emirati counterpart on the sidelines of 73^rd UNGA in New York in September 2019.
• The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan again visited Pakistan in January 2020. During the visit, he called on the Prime Minister for a tete-a-tete followed by a luncheon.
• In addition, frequent exchange of Ministerial visits and telephonic contacts between the leadership further consolidated these relations.

2. A strong partnership between Pakistan and the UK remains important in promoting and sustaining peace, security and stability in the wider region. Specifically, the two countries have common interests and stakes in securing peace and security in Afghanistan. The Conservative party, upon assuming power in May 2015, had expressed desire to strengthen relations with Pakistan. Since then, ties in all fields have expanded. Boris Johnson visited Pakistan as the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in November 2016.Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Pakistan in October 2019.

3. Prime Minister Boris Johnson-led Conservative Party has won the mandate to form majority government in 12 December 2019 general elections by winning 365 seats (total of 650 seats).15 British-Pakistani MPs have been elected, as compared to 12 in last term.

4. Bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UK are governed by the institutional mechanism and framework known as the “Enhanced Strategic Dialogue,” established during the visit of UK Prime Minister David Cameron to Pakistan in April 2011.

5. Parliamentary cooperation between Pakistan and UK takes place through: (i) Parliamentary Friendship Groups; (ii) the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA); and (iii) direct linkages between parliamentarians.

6. In 2018, Pakistan-UK bilateral trade stood at GBP 1.95 billion, with Pakistan’s exports of GBP 23 billion and imports of GBP 722 million.

7. The UK is the second largest overseas investor in Pakistan with investments reaching GBP 1,678 million in last ten years. Key sectors for UK investment in Pakistan are financial services, oil and gas exploration, petroleum refining, electricity generation, pharmaceutical, publishing, industrial chemicals and cement. The net flow of FDI from the UK is on decline but it still remains the largest investor among the EU member states and fifth largest in the world.

8. The UK government has tripled the number of Chevening Scholarships for Pakistani students to 72. The Punjab government has concluded several MoUs on cooperation with the museums and other cultural institutions in the UK.

9. The United Kingdom has the largest Pakistani Diaspora in Europe, estimated at around 1.5 million and the largest ethnic Muslim group in the UK. There are 15 Pakistan origin members in the British Parliament (in the House of Lords in the House of Commons). In addition, there are over 300 Mayors and Councillors throughout the UK, including the Mayor of London.

Pakistan’s relations with the United States have always figured prominently in our foreign policy architecture. This relationship spanning almost seven decades is robust and wide ranging, driven by cooperation in diverse areas and rooted in shared values and common interests.

2. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s official working visit to the United States in July 2019 at the invitation of the U.S. President set the tone for a revived engagement based on mutual trust and respect. There is a mutual desire to deepen economic engagement and enhance bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. Pakistan looks forward to work with the new Administration to further strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two countries. There has already been an exchange of messages between Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Biden.

3. There has been convergence between the two countries on finding a peaceful resolution of Afghan conflict. Working together, Pakistan and the United States have achieved significant progress in the Afghan peace process.

4. United States is Pakistan’s second largest export market, after EU, accounting for nearly 17% percent of our total exports, primarily consisting of textiles and apparel. During the financial year 2019-2020, the total trade between Pakistan and the U.S. amounted to US $ 6.19 billion. Pakistan enjoyed a trade surplus with the U.S. during this year as well. Out of total trade volume, Pakistan’s exports amounted to US$ 3.7 billion while the imports from the U.S. stood at US$ 2.4 billion (Source: FBR). The U.S. is one of the major foreign investors in Pakistan. U.S. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is primarily focused on the Food & Beverages, Chemicals, Financial business, Oil & Gas exploration, cement, construction, communication and electronic sectors of Pakistan. Over 65 U.S. companies are running profitable businesses in Pakistan.

5. Cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in the field of Education, Science and Technology (EST) is an important element in shifting the current security-centric focus of this relationship to a multidimensional partnership between the two countries. The United States has long been the destination of choice for Pakistani students seeking higher education. The number of Pakistani students studying at American universities is rising and currently there are around 8,000 Pakistani students in the U.S. Pakistan is also the beneficiary of the U.S. government’s largest bilateral Fulbright scholarship program. The U.S. also supports collaboration between American and Pakistani universities via State Department grants.

5. The Pakistani-American Diaspora is diverse and vibrant community that is recognized as an increasingly important part of the American society with substantial increase in the past two years. The community has been one of the strongest bridges strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two countries. Pakistani Diaspora has played an important part in the economic development of U.S. and with passage of time they are becoming better integrated to make an even more useful contribution to the U.S. economy and society.

• 2019-Prime Minister of Pakistan met with the President of Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the OBOR Forum in Beijing on 26-27th April 2019.


• 2019-Both Pakistani and Uzbek Foreign Ministers met on the sidelines of Munich Security Conference in February 2019.


• 2018- Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan visited Tashkent on 26-27 March 2018 to participate in International Conference on Afghanistan-Peace Process, Security Cooperation and Regional Connectivity.


• 2017- The then National Security Advisor, Lt. Gen. Nasser Khan Janjua, attended the International Conference on Regional Security and Development, in Samarkand on 10-11 November 2017.


• 2016- Former SAPM, Syed Tariq Fatemi, led Pakistan’s delegation to the 43rd Session of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the OIC held in Tashkent in October 2016.


• 2016-Former President of Pakistan, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain visited Uzbekistan to participate in SCO Summit in June 2016. He also met with his Uzbek counterpart, late President Islam Karimov.

1. 2019-During last week of May 2019, the Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Elyor Ganiev led a delegation to Islamabad to discuss possibility of a proposed railway link between Mazar-i-Sharif, Kabul and Peshawar.


2. 2018-Uzbek Foreign Minister visited Islamabad on 1st November 2018 to hold delegation level talks with the Foreign Minister. He also called on the Prime Minister.


3. 2018-Uzbek Foreign Minister Mr. Kamilov Abdulaziz Khafizovich visited Islamabad in February 2018, to personally extend an invitation to Foreign Minister of Pakistan for the “Tashkent Conference on Afghanistan”, held on 26-27 March 2018.


4. 2017-Then Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr. Ulugbek Rozikulov, participated in 13th ECO Summit held in Islamabad on in March 2017.