Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Syria: President Alvi

ISLAMABAD, Nov 22 (SABAH): President Dr. Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Syria and wants to further promote and strengthen bilateral cooperation with the brotherly country in all areas of mutual interest. He stated that both countries enjoyed excellent relations which are rooted deep in shared religion, values and culture.

He made these remarks while talking to the visiting Education Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr Darem Tabbaa, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday.

President Dr. Arif Alvi highlighted that Pakistan International School was a leading institution in Damascus providing quality education to Syrians. He stated that the School would continue to impart education to Syrian students in accordance with the international standards. The President also called for increasing global cooperation to cope with economic and health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both sides underscored the need to increase cooperation in various fields, particularly education and culture. The meeting also emphasised the need to enhance cultural exchanges as well as collaboration in the field of higher education. During the meeting, it was informed that Pakistan would offer scholarships to Syrian students to study in professional and higher educational institutions of Pakistan.

Dr. Darem Tabbaa conveyed warm regards from the Syrian leadership to the President. He underscored the need for promoting cultural cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

Earlier, a delegation of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), led by its President, Mian Nauman Kabir, called on President Dr Arif Alvi. Talking to the delegation, the president said that the Government was committed to provide a competitive and fair business environment to entrepreneurs and had taken a number of steps in this regard. He added that despite the limited resources, the Government provided maximum relief to the business community and vulnerable segments of society during the pandemic. He urged LCCI to play its role in encouraging businessmen to pay their taxes so as to reduce the budget deficit and allocate more funds for development works.

The delegation expressed satisfaction over the economic performance of the Government, particularly the increase in revenue collection and foreign remittances. The participants apprised the President about their problems who assured that their grievances would be taken up with the concerned quarters for redressal.