Islamabad, December 10, 2019 (PPI-OT): Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium Philippe Bronchain called on Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani here at Parliament House on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion Chairman Senate said that Pakistan values its relations with Belgium both bilaterally as well as within the context of the European Union. He said that bilateral relations are marked by convergence of views on issues of mutual interest. Both sides need to intensify dialogue for strengthening cooperation, especially in economic, trade and tourism spheres. Pakistani Diaspora in Belgium is contributing to the economic and social life of Belgium and can act as a bridge between our two peoples.
Sanjrani said that Pakistan has Parliamentary Friendship Groups with Belgium both at the Senate as well as the National Assembly. High level interactions play an important role in improving bilateral relations. He said that the two countries have good Parliamentary interaction. Pakistan and Belgium have had regular interaction at parliamentary level as well as visits by Senators and Special Advisor. We may continue this trend of parliamentary cooperation. He said that Belgian companies are encouraged to invest in Pakistan.
Belgian investors can make use of the incentives provided by the Government in the field of renewable energy, tourism and the burgeoning hospitality industry of the country. He emphasized that Pakistan jumped 28 places in the World Bank’s ease of doing business index in 2019. This has been achieved by streamlining and automating administrative procedures and resolving insolvency issues.
The current volume of bilateral trade between the two countries is not commensurate to the true potential. Two sides may evolve strategies to give impetus to our economic relations. He said that security situation in Pakistan has remarkable improved which is evident from the fact that the UN has declared it a family station. The current government is focused on increasing tourism in the country. Many reforms have been undertaken to facilitate inflow of tourists.
Earlier, Dr. Mazen Obeid, Charge D’Affaires of Syrian Embassy in Pakistan also called on him. Chairman Senate said that Pakistan and Syria enjoy fraternal ties deeply rooted in our shared religion, values and culture. He said that Pakistan attach great importance to our relations with Syria. He said that Pakistan desire to further promote, diversify and strengthen all areas of bilateral cooperation. Pakistan’s position on the situation in Syria is based on the principles of international law, the UN Charter and the rules of inter-state conduct. Pakistan stands for the protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Syria.
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