ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Mamnoon Hussain and President of Mauritius Dr. Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim agreed here Monday on strengthening ties in diverse areas including education, health and trade.
In a one-on-one meeting held here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the two sides emphasized on close collaboration for the mutual benefit of their countries.
President Mamnoon said Pakistan gives high importance to its relations with Mauritius that span over decades.
He said the current volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Mauritius did not match their true potential and emphasized for a Free Trade Agreement to enhance business activity.
Mamnoon Hussain expressed satisfaction over the interaction between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers and Mauritius Chambers.
He also called for establishing air links between Pakistan and Mauritius for the promotion of trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts.
He lauded that Pakistan was contributing significantly to the financial sector of Mauritius and mentioned that three branches of a prominent Pakistani bank were already working in Mauritius.
Also, Pakistani doctors are providing free medical services at some hospitals in Mauritius, he added.
President Mamnoon welcomed the training of Mauritian students at Pakistani educational institutions in the fields of medicine, engineering and pharmacy.
He said Pakistan and Mauritius hold unanimity of views on several international matters.
He said exchange programmes for students, educational experts, businessmen and parliamentarians would strengthen relations between the people of two countries.
President Dr Ameenah Firdaus proposed celebration of ‘Pakistan Week’ in Mauritius and holding of exhibitions for the promotion of Pakistani culture, society and commodities.
Dr Ameenah, who is a biodiversity scientist, lauded the quality of Pakistani educational institutions especially the Hussain Jamal Ibrahim Institute of Chemistry.
She extended invitation to President Mamnoon to visit Mauritius, which he accepted.
The two sides also held delegation-level talks. Minister of State for Information Technology Anousha Rehman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry and High Commissioner to Mauritius Lt General (retd) Tariq Rasheed Khan represented the Pakistani side.
The Mauritian side was joined by President Mauritius-Pakistan Joint Business Council Shehzad Ahmed and High Commissioner to Pakistan Yusuf Elahee.
Source: APP
