Pakistan wants to strengthen cooperation with Thailand

www.chinaview.cn 2009-07-24 21:07:34

ISLAMABAD, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has met with his Thai counterpart Kasit Primoya onthe sidelines of the 16th ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meetingin Phuket, Thailand.

Qureshi said Pakistan wants to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Thailand particularly in the economic field.

Both sides agreed to hold Joint Economic Commission and Policy Consultations and agreed to expedite the conclusion of Visa Abolition Agreement.

The Thai foreign minister expressed great satisfaction over friendly relations between the two countries and said that Thailand was keen to further develop these ties. He lauded Pakistan's contribution to the fight against terrorism and militancy and said that Pakistan's role was important not only for peace of South Asia but also for global peace.

Referring to economic ties Qureshi said that Pakistan possessesa unique geographic position and Thailand would explore mutually beneficial opportunities to work with Pakistan in viable projects.

Both sides also discussed cooperation in science and technology and defense fields.

Qureshi also had a meeting with his Malaysian counterpart DatukAnifah Hj. Aman on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting.

They discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in different fields. Both sides emphasized the need to broaden economic cooperation to include joint ventures in mutually identified fields.

Qureshi said agriculture, IT, livestock, construction, infrastructure development are potential areas for investment from Malaysia.

Both sides agreed to explore collaboration in the Halal Food Industry and to set up a joint working group for this purpose.

Malaysia and Pakistan also agreed on the early convening of the Joint Commission.

The Malaysian foreign minister said Malaysia intends to host the Developing Eight (D-8) ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur and invited Pakistan to attend it.

(http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/24/content_11767692.htm)