Meeting of Adviser Sartaj Aziz with Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni

The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz, and the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Paolo Gentiloni, held a bilateral meeting at Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 21 April 2016.

The Adviser and the Italian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction over positive trajectory of Pakistan-Italy bilateral relations. Both sides underscored the importance of further augmenting bilateral relations in a number of areas including trade and economy; regional peace and security; as well as countering violent extremism and terrorism.

Mr. Aziz briefed his Italian counterpart on Pakistan’s economic progress as manifested in the macro-economic indicators due to improvement in security situation and Government’s successful efforts to overcome the energy crisis. He noted that the Italian economy in the last two years had performed remarkably well also. This has widened the scope for economic interaction between the two countries and enhanced the prospects of Italian investment in Pakistan.

Both sides also agreed to work together to enhance their trade relations and promote agriculture cooperation. The Italian Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan’s agriculture potential. He expressed hope that Italy’s cooperation in agriculture, social development and culture will further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. Both sides decided to establish Pakistan-Italy Cultural Council to promote cultural interaction between the two countries.

The Adviser on Foreign Affairs also briefed the Italian Foreign Minister on the Prime Minister’s initiatives for regional peace and stability, and his strong commitment to maintaining cordial relations with all neighboring countries. Regional and international situation also came up for discussion.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at their cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral forums. As members of the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) Group, Pakistan and Italy work closely and have similar positions on the issue of Security Council reform. Both sides believed that the Security Council Reform should increase the representation of developing countries and engage in democratic consultations to seek a comprehensive solution that accommodates the interests and concerns of all UN Member States and enjoys extensive support.

The Italian Foreign Minister acknowledged the positive contribution being made by Pakistan for the regional peace and security, and reassured his country’s continued support in all areas of mutual interest.

Islamabad
22 April 2016

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