Fourth Round of Pakistan-Ireland Bilateral Political Consultations held in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, May 19 (SABAH): The Fourth Session of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between Pakistan and the Republic of Ireland was held in Islamabad. Pakistan delegation was led by Ambassador Muhammad Saleem, Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) while the Irish delegation was led by Ms. Sonja Hyland, Deputy Secretary General at Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland. The Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan Ms. Sonya McGuiness, Resident in Ankara, was also part of the Irish delegation.

The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. The Additional Secretary underscored Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening and broadening of ties with Ireland in the areas of trade, academic exchanges, culture, sports, science & technology, harmonization of visa regime and migration & mobility.

Welcoming Ireland’s decision to open its Embassy in Islamabad, the Additional Foreign Secretary underscored that it would be an important milestone in Pakistan-Ireland relations. The Irish Embassy in Islamabad and Pakistan Embassy in Dublin have critical roles to play in enhancing bilateral ties, and promoting people-to-people contacts particularly in facilitating Pakistani businessmen and students.

The two sides also discussed collaboration at international forums, including at the United Nations. They found convergence of views on important issues and agreed to continue cooperation at the multilateral fora. Regional and global issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the Consultations.

Both sides also agreed to make Bilateral Political Consultations a regular feature of bilateral dialogue and engagement. The next round of Consultations will be held in Dublin in 2024.