AHmed Mukhtar Naqshbandi
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Ivory Coast (Cote D’Ivore) have reiterated their resolve to promote bilateral cooperation in economy, culture, and trade. Both sides stressed the need to encourage exchanges at high levels to enhance bilateral relations.
This was discussed during a meeting between the Ivory Coast’s visiting Parliamentary delegation, led by the President of the National Assembly of Ivory Coast, Mr Adama Bictogo, which called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Raja Pervez Ashraf, was also present on the occasion.
Welcoming the delegation, President said that Pakistan considered Ivory Coast a crucial country and wanted to promote relations with African countries under its “Engage Africa” policy. The President added that both countries enjoyed good relations in various fields and needed to help each other in the development process.
Bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Ivory Coast
The President said that both countries had excellent prospects for promoting political and economic cooperation and urged the need for businessmen of the Ivory Coast to visit and invest in Pakistan. He showed 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 essential part in the UN Peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast under UNOCI from 2004 to 2017. He added that Pakistan had always supported international efforts for the stability and development of the Ivory Coast.
He also asked the President of the National Assembly of Ivory Coast to open their resident diplomatic mission in Islamabad, which would help to further improve bilateral cooperation.
The President further said that Pakistan had successfully overcome the menace of terrorism, besides effectively managing the COVID pandemic.
Mr Adama Bictogo said that the leadership of his Ivory Coast wanted to improve ties with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest. He briefed the President about the measures taken by his country for the transformation of its economy. He further said that parliamentarians are required to play a role in improving political and economic ties between the two countries.
