Islamabad, Dec 16 : President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday emphasized the need to expand bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Ireland in trade, investment, sustainable development, climate change, emerging technologies, education, culture, and tourism.
He made these remarks during a meeting with Ambassador Mariam Madiha Aftab, Pakistan’s ambassador-designate to Ireland, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to a press release from the President Secretariat Media Wing.
The president congratulated Ambassador Aftab on her appointment and expressed confidence in her ability to strengthen Pakistan–Ireland relations, particularly by fostering a robust economic partnership. He urged efforts to attract Irish investment into Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones and the information technology sector.
Referring to Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the European Union from July to December next year, President Zardari highlighted the importance of enhancing high-level and parliamentary exchanges.
He also recalled the visit of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to Ireland in 1994 and a recent visit by a Pakistani Senate delegation, underscoring the value of continued diplomatic engagement.
Highlighting the role of the Pakistani diaspora in Ireland, the president called for closer engagement to strengthen people-to-people ties and project a positive image of Pakistan through cultural diplomacy and media outreach.