ISLAMABAD, Dec 6, (Asia Free Press): Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday departed on Three-day official to Belgium, according to the Foreign Ministry.
He is undertaking the visit on the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium Sophie Wilmes, said the ministry in a statement.
During his stay in Brussels, the Foreign Minister will co-chair the 6th round of Pakistan-Europian Union (EU) Strategic Dialogue with EU High Representative and Vice President Josep Borrell. This would be the first in-person session of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan, since the signing of the landmark plan in June 2019, it’s said.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi will meet NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The two sides have remained closely engaged on Afghanistan as well as undertaken joint training and capacity building programs for military and civilian personnel.
In addition, the Foreign Minister will have an exchange of views with Belgian Parliamentarians and Members of the European Parliament, the Spokesman said.
He will also meet and address members of the Pakistani Diaspora residing in Belgium and Luxembourg.
“Pakistan and Belgium enjoy cordial and friendly relations based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, mutual respect and close cooperation”, said the Foreign Ministry.
Over the years, bilateral relations have grown stronger in economic, trade, culture and education fields. With a trade volume of $982 million, Belgium is the fifth largest trading partner of Pakistan in the EU.
