Pakistan-Netherlands 9th Bilateral Political Consultations

Islamabad, 10 February 2022 (TDI): The 9th Round of Pakistan-Netherlands Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) convened in Islamabad, today.

Sohail Mahmood, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and Secretary-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, Paul Huijts, represented the respective sides.

During the consultations, both sides reviewed bilateral collaboration in a wide range of areas. These include trade and investment, economic, education, climate change, politics, and culture.

Pakistan & The Netherlands held 9th round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad & discussed:
➡️ bilateral cooperation in various areas incl trade
➡️🇵🇰’s role in evacuation operation from Afghanistan
➡️🇵🇰 Focus on Geo-economics@ForeignOfficePk @ministerBZ @suljuk pic.twitter.com/hJrE5pI5lk

— Pakistan Embassy Netherlands (@PakinNetherland) February 10, 2022

Likewise, they exchanged views on regional matters as well. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to support and further augment it in multifarious domains.

The celebration to commemorate 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and The Netherlands this year in a suitable manner was also deliberated upon, during the meeting.

In the same vein, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood emphasized Pakistan’s priority on geo-economics. He articulated that The Netherlands is a significant trade partner of Pakistan in the European Union (EU).

Sohail Mahmood expressed hope that the Dutch businesses would capitalize on the investment opportunities generated by the business-friendly policies of the government.

Moreover, he underlined the facilitative role of Pakistan in evacuation processes from Afghanistan, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to support the global community for the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Sohail Mehmood also accentuated the urgency of the situation pertaining to the Afghan people so as to evade humanitarian emergency and economic debilitation.

Additionally, the Foreign Secretary briefed the Dutch Secretary-General regarding unlawful and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 as well as alteration of the demographic structure of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by India.

He further highlighted the significance of the international community in addressing the alarming human rights violations in IIOJK along with resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per relevant UNSC resolutions.

Whilst the Secretary-General on his part appreciated Pakistan’s help in evacuation from Afghanistan. He expressed his hope for Pakistan’s continuous support in this context.