Islamabad, 23 July 2022 (TDI): Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Sohail Mahmood, received Belgian Ambassador to Pakistan, Philippe Bronchain, for a farewell call and discussed with him the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Belgium.
Thank you to FS Sohail Mahmood for the farewell meeting. Amb. Bronchain takes with him many memories including the support received during the evacuation from Afghanistan, the strengthening of our relations, the diversity & the landscapes of 🇵🇰, & the hospitality of its people. https://t.co/0PJGVGDgSZ
— Belgium in Islamabad (@BelgiumISB) July 22, 2022
During the farewell call, the Foreign Secretary praised the Ambassador’s significant contributions to advancing bilateral cooperation. He also emphasized the importance of deepening Pakistan and Belgium’s engagement in bilateral and regional issues.
Moreover, he conveyed his best wishes for the Ambassador’s future endeavors and thanked him for his services to Pakistan, especially in furthering mutual interests.
The Ambassador thanked Sohail Mahmood for the farewell meeting. He said that he takes with him many memories, including the assistance from Pakistan during the evacuation from Afghanistan and the improvement of ties.
He also appreciated the diversity of the Country’s landscapes and the hospitality and friendliness of its citizens.
Pakistan and Belgium Bilateral ties
Pakistan and Belgium both enjoy fraternal and cordial relations with each other. Both particularly focus on the domains of trade and regional cooperation.
Belgium is the sixth-largest importer of commodities from Pakistan in Europe. And the two countries’ bilateral trade is close to $600 million.
Also, given that NATO and the European Union have their headquarters in Brussels, Pakistan’s diplomatic post in the country is significant. Belgium is the epicenter of European politics and policymaking, and Pakistan has frequently sought for Belgium to support the establishment of the Pakistan-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Furthermore, Pakistan and Belgium have decided to remain engaged in the situation in Afghanistan. They also want to cooperate to advance their bilateral relations.
