Ambassador of Pakistan, Mr. Ali Javed, held a bilateral meeting with President IFAD, Mr. Alvaro Lario, at IFAD Headquarters recently to review the trajectory of bilateral cooperation. Assisting the Ambassador were Embassy’s Counsellor for Int’l Organizations and Alternate Permanent Representative whereas President IFAD was assisted by his team.

Acknowledging the pioneering role of former Foreign Minister of Pakistan late Mr. Sartaj Aziz in the establishment of IFAD, both sides welcomed their longstanding history of excellent cooperation since 1979, and expressed satisfaction over the status of ongoing projects.

President IFAD warmly recalled signing ‘Host Country Agreement’ (HCA) in June last year leading to establishment of IFAD Country Office in Islamabad and termed it a significant bilateral milestone.

IFAD Country Director Pakistan, Ms. Fernanda Thomaz Da Rocha was also present on the occasion and expressed her keenness to work with her counterparts in taking forward the bilateral cooperation to a new dimension. Ms. Rocha will formally operationalize IFAD Country Office Islamabad next month.

President IFAD underlined Pakistan’s status as being one of IFAD’s largest partner State and appreciated the formal confirmation from Islamabad towards pledge for IFAD’s 13^th Replenishment Cycle. With ongoing projects in all Provinces of the country, IFAD’s biggest portfolio has been in Pakistan with both sides have executed 28 projects for $2.91Bn of investments.

President IFAD welcomed the smooth democratic transition in Pakistan through General Elections of February 2024 and welcomed the timing of establishment of IFAD Country Office Islamabad coming at an excellent juncture.

Ambassador extended a cordial invitation to President IFAD for a bilateral visit to Pakistan to refresh contacts with political leadership and inaugurate IFAD Country Office Islamabad. President IFAD warmly received the invitation and expressed his intention to travel to Pakistan in last quarter of 2024.

In conclusion, both sides resolved to consolidate bilateral cooperation and acknowledged institutionalized cooperation through upcoming IFAD Country Office Islamabad, shall serve as new chapter in their partnership.-