Stockholm, 24 November (TDI): The 17th round of Pakistan-Sweden Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Stockholm. Both countries reviewed the bilateral relations and agreed to promote mutual cooperation.
The meeting was part of the Bilateral Political Consultations that Pakistan is having with Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. Additional Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan is leading the Pakistan delegation for these talks.
During the meeting, Sweden’s side was co-led by Director General and Head of Global Department Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt and Acting Head of Department for Asia and the Pacific Oscar Schlyte of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Pakistan and Sweden reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, investment, and education. Both nations expressed confidence in the trajectory of bilateral cooperation.
Furthermore, it was noted that next year, Pakistan and Sweden would celebrate 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations. The delegations agreed to promote bilateral dialogue and mutually beneficial engagement and cooperation.
The Additional Foreign Secretary congratulated Sweden on successfully completing the term of EU presidency this year.
He also expressed Pakistan’s desire to further enhance cooperation in renewable energy, sustainable technologies, waste management, ICT, R and D.
Ambassador Shafqat Khan welcomed more Swedish companies to take advantage of the business-friendly environment in Pakistan.
In response, the Swedish side reaffirmed its commitment to forge a broad-based bilateral relationship anchored in strong economic and political cooperation.
While discussing the regional and global developments, the Ambassador briefed the Swedish side on security situation in South Asia including Afghanistan and India.
The Ambassador highlighted the human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read: Pakistan urges UN action on India’s human rights violations in Kashmir
The Swedish side briefed the Pakistani delegation on the EU Presidency, Nordic region and steps taken to combat Islamophobia and to promote interfaith harmony
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation at the international forums, including at the United Nations, and agreed to continue supporting each other.
The Pakistan and Swedish delegations also agreed to remain in close contact to maintain the momentum in bilateral relations.
The next round of Pakistan and Sweden Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Islamabad.
