ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council agreed to forge comprehensive partnership with renewed focus on promotion of bilateral trade and business relations, according to statement.

Understanding was reached during meeting between caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi on sidelines of 78th session of UN General Assembly in New York.

Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction on progress made in negotiations on Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement and reiterated need for its early conclusion. Secretary General agreed to cooperate closely to conclude Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement at earliest.

Foreign Minister highlighted that Pakistan desires to strengthen institutional linkages with GCC and its member states, in line with Joint Action Plan for Strategic Dialogue between two sides.

He underscored that Pakistan would be ready to host GCC Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad as proposed during 1st meeting of Political Dialogue held in March this year. During meeting, regional and global issues of mutual interest also came under discussion.

Foreign Minister briefed Secretary General on situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and atrocities committed by Indian forces against innocent civilians.

Meanwhile, caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani also met with OIC Secretary General, Hissein Brahim Taha on sidelines of UN General Assembly session in New York.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 25 2023

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