Pakistan attached high importance to its fraternal relations with member states of the GCC: Bilawal

DAVOS, May 25 (SABAH): Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have agreed to explore further avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and economic ties as well as strengthen institutional linkages in line with the Joint Action Plan for Strategic Dialogue.

The understanding to this effect reached during the meeting between Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Dr. Nayef Falah M. Al-Hajraf on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Minister of Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman were also present during the meeting.

The Foreign Minister and the Secretary General reviewed the status of Pakistan’s cooperation with GCC and its member states.

Recalling the historical linkages, geographical proximity and cultural affinities between Pakistan and the GCC, the Foreign Minister underscored that Pakistan attached high importance to its fraternal relations with member states of the GCC, both bilaterally and in the context of the GCC.

On Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the two sides expressed determination to conclude the negotiations at the earliest possible.

Pakistan and the GCC enjoy long-standing cordial relations as Pakistan’s relations with the Member States of the GCC are rooted firmly in shared faith, values and culture.