Islamabad, July 10 (FN Bureau) Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations in a meeting with Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, according to the prime minister’s office. The Swiss foreign minister, accompanied by three members of the parliament, is on a visit to Pakistan from July 7 to July 9 at the invitation of the Pakistani prime minister, the office said in a statement on Saturday. During the meeting, Sharif reiterated the high importance Pakistan attached to its relations with Switzerland. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing bilateral ties, especially in the areas of climate change, trade and investment, development cooperation, higher education and vocational training, the statement said.
The Pakistani prime minister appreciated the Swiss businesses’ approach to the resolution of issues and their work ethic, and invited more Swiss companies to invest in Pakistan, particularly in the renewable energy and IT sectors, the statement said, adding that the two sides also agreed to collaborate in tourism promotion including eco-tourism and development of related infrastructure. Sharif thanked the Swiss government for providing support to Pakistan in the aftermath of the 2022 devastating floods. On the occasion, he also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on disaster management between Pakistan and Switzerland, which envisages bilateral cooperation in disaster risk management including preparedness, response and recovery aimed at reducing the adverse impact on the people and the economy. Pakistan and the Swiss confederation enjoy cordial relations grounded in cooperation at the international forums with the common aim to contribute towards global peace and prosperity, according to the prime minister’s office.