Sweden lauds Pakistan's economic turn-around
Pakistan Times Business & Commerce Desk

ISLAMABAD: Swedish Foreign Secretary Hans Dahlgren Saturday praised Pakistan's impressive economic turn-around and efforts for peace in the region and said there were bright prospects of moving ahead in existing bilateral trade and investment ties.

He made these remarks during formal talks with his Pakistani counterpart Riaz A. Khokhar that covered wide range of issues and matters of regional and global interests.

A foreign office statement issued after the meeting said, Dahlgren praised Pakistan's efforts with regard to war against terrorism, reconstruction in Afghanistan and its efforts with regard to relations between Pakistan and India.

He underlined the impressive economic gains achieved by Pakistan and agreed that prospects for increasing bilateral trade and investments have improved and efforts need to be made to encourage greater business contacts.

In the two-hour long discussion, Khokhar briefed the Swedish State Secretary on bilateral political and economic relations with EU, maintenance of peace and security in South Asia, recent developments in Indo-Pak relations, Pakistan's role in fight against international terrorism, reconstruction of Afghanistan, UN Reforms and non-proliferation.

He apprised his Swedish counterpart about the economic turnaround in Pakistan, aimed at making the country a modern, democratic and progressive Islamic state.  He also reaffirmed Pakistan's abiding commitment to non- proliferation and explained the steps that the Government had taken to establish its credentials in this area.

The Swedish Foreign Secretary expressed satisfaction at the excellent bilateral relations with Pakistan and agreed on the need to take steps to further strengthen bilateral, political, and economic cooperation in all fields. 

President General Pervez Musharraf had visited Sweden in July this year which provided impetus to bilateral relations and considerable progress has since been made. Since the President's visit, several high level visits have been exchanged which includes the visit of the Swedish Defence Commission in early November.

Last month the Swedish Trade Delegation comprising notable Swedish businesses and policy makers had also visited Pakistan. Dahlgren, visiting at the head of four-member delegation is to leave for home Sunday at the end of his two-day visit.●