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Friday, August 16, 2013
New Denmark ambassador presents credentials to ZardariISLAMABAD: Denmark’s new ambassador to Pakistan, Mr Jesper Moller Sorensen, on Thursday presented his credentials at a special ceremony at Presidency.
After presenting his credentials, Ambassador Sorensen met President Asif Ali Zardari and shared Denmark’s commitment for enhanced bilateral relations through the development cooperation, trade and open dialogue.
“For many years, the Government of Denmark has supported Pakistan through our development cooperation and humanitarian assistance. This has been a successful partnership, and we are committed to continue our work in Pakistan in the years to come,” the ambassador said.
“Parallel to our support for social cohesion, development and democratic institutions in Pakistan, we will work to strengthen and deepen our relationship with Pakistan and the people of Pakistan. Increasing trade between our two countries will be a very high priority during my time in Pakistan. Danish companies have much to offer to the people of Pakistan, and they are strong in areas such as renewable energy, life sciences and energy efficiency”, Ambassador Sorensen stated.
Before arriving in Islamabad, Ambassador Sorensen was Head of Department in the Trade and Economic Analysis Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen. The ambassador also has extensive foreign policy experience from his postings to USA, Turkey and Afghanistan.
Ambassador Sorensen stated that one of his key goals during his ambassadorship is to strengthen bilateral ties between Pakistan and Denmark.
The embassy will, for the first time, open a commercial section in order to strengthen its support to businesses.
Ambassador Sorensen also said that the Government of Denmark will be extending and expanding its support to the people of Pakistan through a new five year programme commencing in the autumn of 2013 with a total budget of around $50 million. It will focus on reconstruction, rehabilitation, education and the socio-economic development of the northern border areas.
The Government of Denmark launched its first phase of development cooperation with Pakistan in 2010. The programme has been focusing on quality education for children in conflict-affected areas through UNICEF and reconstruction of infrastructure and delivery services in FATA, KPK and Balochistan.
Additionally, the Government of Denmark is working with the civil society in Pakistan in the areas of democratic development, human rights and gender equality. Denmark has also provided humanitarian assistance to Pakistan during the earthquake in 2005 and during the floods in 2010-12, where Denmark contributed with more than $30 million for flood relief response. pr
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk