Hague, 10 February 2023 (TDI): The 10th round of Pakistan-Netherlands bilateral political consultations took place in Hague on Wednesday.
Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Asad Majeed Khan, and Secretary General for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of the Netherlands Paul Huijts led their respective sides.
The Foreign Secretary was assisted by the Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, and senior officials.
The consultations reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands and regional and multilateral issues of common interest.
Overview of 10th Bilateral Political Consultations
During the consultations, both sides expressed satisfaction over the momentum in bilateral cooperation. They resolved to further enhance engagement in a range of areas including political, economic, trade and investment, education, and culture.
Likewise, they exchanged views on agricultural cooperation. In this vein, officials agreed to further deepen cooperation in agriculture, especially in increasing crop output, seed development, and capacity building of small landholder farmers.
Also read: Pakistan-Netherlands 9th Bilateral Political Consultations
Talking about the challenges posed by climate change, Majeed briefed Paul Huijts about the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan held in Geneva last month and the international community’s generous support to Pakistan.
Along these lines, he appreciated the Dutch government’s assistance in flood relief and post-flood risk assessment. The Foreign Secretary informed the Secretary General of the human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IIOJK).
Majeed stated that the international community should play a role in resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) resolutions and the Kashmiri people’s aspirations.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and connected Afghanistan. Majeed also emphasized that terrorism was a threat to regional peace, emphasizing the importance of working together to combat it.
During his turn, The Secretary General of the Netherlands appreciated Pakistan’s assistance in its evacuation operations from Afghanistan. He also expressed satisfaction with the bilateral cooperation between both countries.
It is pertinent to note that Pakistan and the Netherlands are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations this year, and a joint logo was unveiled to commemorate the occasion. Both sides will mark the occasion with events in Islamabad and The Hague.
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