Pakistan & Ivory Coast reiterate the resolve to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade & culture

ISLAMABAD, Feb 14 (SABAH): Pakistan and Ivory Coast (Cote D’Ivore) have reiterated the resolve to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and culture. Both sides emphasized the need to encourage exchanges at high levels to boost bilateral relations.

This was discussed at a meeting between the visiting Parliamentary delegation of Ivory Coast, led by the President of the National Assembly of Ivory Coast, Adama Bictogo, which called on President Dr. Arif Alvi at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday. Speaker of the National Assembly, Raja Pervez Ashraf, was also present on the occasion.

Welcoming the delegation, President Dr. Arif Alvi said that Pakistan considered Ivory Coast an important country and wanted to promote ties with African countries under its “Engage Africa” policy. He added that both countries enjoyed good relations in various fields and needed to help each other in the development process.

President Dr. Arif Alvi said that both countries had great prospects for promoting political and economic cooperation, and urged the need for the businessmen of Ivory Coast to visit and invest in Pakistan. He expressed satisfaction over the current level of bilateral ties as both countries had unanimity of views on different issues and supported each other at various international fora.

The President said that Pakistan played an important part in UN Peacekeeping operations in Ivory Coast under UNOCI from 2004 to 2017, adding that Pakistan had always supported international efforts for the stability and development of Ivory Coast. He also asked the President of National Assembly of Ivory Coast to open their resident diplomatic mission in Islamabad that would help to further improve bilateral cooperation.

The President further stated that Pakistan had successfully overcome the menace of terrorism, besides effectively managing the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The President asked the delegation to convey his greetings to the leadership of Ivory Coast and expressed the hope that the visit of the delegation would prove to be a significant step in expanding bilateral relations.

Adama Bictogo said that the leadership of his country wanted to improve relations with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest. He briefed the President about the steps taken by his country for the transformation of its economy. He further said that parliamentarians needed to play a role in improving political and economic relations between the two countries. He thanked the President for the warm welcome and hospitality extended by the Government of Pakistan.