MABAD: Chief Guest Fawad Hassan Fawad, Federal Minister for Privatisation, Ambassador of Belgium Charles Delogne cutting cake to celebrate the King’s Day .-DNA
dna
Pakistan’s Minister for Privatization Fawad Hasan Fawad stated that Pakistani exports to Belgium have witnessed an impressive 92% surge since securing Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) status in 2013.
Addressing the event organized by the Belgian embassy to commemorate the 75 years of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Belgium, Fawad Hasan Fawad highlighted the remarkable growth and collaboration across various fields between the two nations. He thanked Belgium for its pivotal role in securing GSP status and continuing support in the recent negotiations on the GSP Plus extension.
Fawad Hasan Fawad revealed that Belgium’s exports to Pakistan recorded a substantial growth of 72%, exemplifying the mutually beneficial nature of the GSP status.
The Minister underscored the diverse facets of the relationship, pointing out that beyond trade, Pakistani industries were increasingly sourcing textile machinery from Belgium, creating a win-win scenario for both nations.
Expressing gratitude for Belgium’s role in facilitating additional market access to the European Union, the Minister commended the country’s support for least developed nations benefitting from this relationship. He acknowledged Belgium’s consistent backing, not only for Pakistan but for other nations as well.
Highlighting the excellent diplomatic relations between the two countries, Fawad Hasan Fawad stressed their shared commitment to democracy. He candidly acknowledged occasional concerns about human and labor rights, expressing satisfaction with the constructive engagement on these matters.
Looking ahead, the Minister expressed optimism about elevating the relationship to new heights, fostering increased people-to-people contacts, and encouraging greater engagement among young people in both Belgium and Pakistan.
He highlighted the growing trend of Pakistani students choosing Belgium for higher education, particularly in science, technology, and life sciences.
Relationship between Belgium
and Pakistan is forward-looking
DNA
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Thursday that the 75 years of its diplomatic relations with Belgium encompassed the spirit of solidarity and expressed commitment to work with it towards shaping a better world for future generations.
A statement by the Foreign Office said the upward trajectory of bilateral relations was deeply embedded in people-to-people linkages and frequent high-level contacts at the leadership level.
It mentioned that the institution of bilateral political consultation provided a strong foundation for a multifaceted dialogue that holds the potential to deepen this longstanding bilateral relationship.
“The robust trade between the countries has witnessed continuous growth for mutual benefit,” it said.
“The depth of bilateral relations encompasses the spirit of solidarity and support demonstrated during times of need, such as disaster management to mitigate natural calamities,” the FO statement said.
The Joint Communique, issued on November 26, 1947, encapsulates the decision of the two governments to accept respective diplomatic missions ‘to strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual interest’.
Following the historic decision, the two countries opened diplomatic missions in 1948.
“It is a proud moment, as the goals outlined 75 years ago paved the way for a strong bond of friendship,” the FO statement added.
“The relationship between Belgium and Pakistan is forward-looking, as both countries are committed to working together on multilateral forums to address common challenges, such as sustainable development and climate change, as well as fundamental values such as democracy and human rights, providing strength to these relations,” it said.
