The Inaugural session of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Lebanon was held in Beirut on 28 November 2018. Pakistan delegation was led by Ambassador Syed Hassan Raza, Special Secretary (ME&OIC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad. The Lebanese side was headed by Ambassador Ghadi Al Khoury, Director Political and Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Emigrants, Beirut. The delegations assessed the current status of Pakistan-Lebanon bilateral relations. They exchanged views also on the regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Pakistan delegation expressed solidarity with Lebanon on the issues and problems it confronts. Emphasising the similarity of challenges facing the two countries such as continuing belligerence from one neighbour and refugee influx from another one, regional instability, and terrorism, the two sides agreed to boost their cooperation in all areas of bilateral relations. It was decided to enhance the frequency of bilateral interaction and exchanges between the two countries to further deepen and broaden their existing friendly ties. With a view to bolstering economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to undertake suitable measures to facilitate bilateral trade and commerce including exchange of business delegations. They would also convene the Inaugural Meeting of the Representatives Committee, established under bilateral Trade Agreement, after the new Lebanese government is in place. The Leader of Pakistan Delegation briefed the Lebanese side on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and invited Lebanese business community to benefit from the opportunities arising from the project. The two sides agreed to activate and strengthen the existing bilateral institutional mechanisms. They agreed also to work towards the early finalization of the several agreements/MOUs under negotiation between them. Discussion took place also on the need for entering into new agreements such as agreement on visa abolition for diplomatic and service passport holders, the text of which was handed over during the Consultations by the Lebanese side for the Pakistani side's consideration. The sides emphasised the convergence of views on important regional and global issues and agreed to enhance coordination of their positions including between their permanent missions to the UN Headquarters. Leader of the Pakistan delegation extended an invitation to the Lebanese side to visit Islamabad for the next session of the Consultations. The two sides decided to hold the next session in November/December 2019. Beirut 28 November 2018