Apr 18, 2016
News
Pakistan, Mauritius agree to enhance ties, start direct air links
Mamnoon hosts Dr Ameenah Firdaus at Aiwan-e-Sadr
ISLAMABAD – President Mamnoon Hussain and Mauritius President Dr Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib Fakim have agreed to enhance relations in areas of education, health and trade between the two countries.
This was agreed upon during a one-to-one and delegation-level meeting between the two presidents at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday. Dr Ameenah suggested that Pakistan week should be celebrated in Mauritius to showcase culture, society and products from Pakistan.
She thanked Mamnoon Hussain for according warm welcome and also extended an invitation to visit Mauritius, which was accepted by the president. She also appreciated the excellence of educational institutions in particular the Hussain Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry.
On the occasion, President Mamnoon said that Pakistan accords importance to its bilateral relations with Mauritius, which are decades old. He noted that the trade volume between Pakistan and Mauritius was below potential and in this regard there should be a free trade agreement between the two countries so that bilateral trade could be bolstered.
He called for establishing direct air links between the two countries so that trade, tourism and people to people contacts could be further promoted. He noted with appreciation that Pakistan was playing an important role in the financial sector of Mauritius and a leading Pakistani bank has established three branches in Mauritius.
“Pakistani doctors are also rendering free of cost humanitarian services in Mauritius,” he remarked. He welcomed training of students from Mauritius in Pakistan in the fields of medicine, engineering and pharmacy. Pakistan would continue to provide education and training facilities to Mauritius students and diplomats in future as well, he said.
President Mamnoon also hosted a luncheon in honour of visiting dignitary and her delegation, which was attended by Azad Jammu Kashmir President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana, State Minister Anusha Rahman, Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and high officials.
Earlier, the president greeted the Mauritius counterpart upon her arrival at the central entrance of the Aiwan-e-Sadr. On the occasion, children clad in traditional dresses presented bouquets to the visiting dignitary. A contingent of the Pakistan Army presented guard of honour to the visiting president and national anthems of both the countries were also played.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk