ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday received the credentials of Italy’s Ambassador-designate Ugo Ciarlatani and Republic of Korea’s Ambassador-designate Han Sungho at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
During his meeting with Ambassador Ciarlatani, the President expressed confidence that his tenure would help further strengthen Pakistan-Italy relations, particularly in trade and investment. He noted that bilateral trade had surpassed $1 billion and welcomed the agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports.
President Zardari also appreciated Italy’s support for Pakistan’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2025-26 term and highlighted the Pakistani community in Italy as an important bridge between the two countries. Talking to Ambassador Han Sungho, the President said Pakistan attached great importance to its multidimensional relationship with South Korea and expressed the desire to expand trade and investment ties. He welcomed ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as well as cooperation in climate change, development and defence. The President expressed hope that bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding, technology and economic development would continue to grow. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Secretary Foreign Affairs were also present.
Pakistan Ambassador designate to Libya meets the president:
President Asif Ali Zardari has asked Pakistan’s Ambassador-Designate to Libya, Maj. Gen. (R) Mumtaz Hussain, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr today, to work towards strengthening high-level political engagement and expanding economic, trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Libya.
The President, while congratulating Maj. Gen. (R) Mumtaz Hussain on his appointment, said Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding and cordial relations with Libya, based on shared faith, mutual respect and common values.
He emphasised the scope for enhanced cooperation in defence, energy, information technology, healthcare, education, agriculture and human resource development.
The President also stressed the importance of greater interaction between the business communities of the two countries and highlighting investment opportunities in Pakistan under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
The President said Pakistan would continue to support Libya’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and efforts for lasting peace, stability and national reconciliation.
He asked the Ambassador-Designate to accord priority to the welfare of the Pakistani community in Libya. He also expressed hope for continued cooperation with Libya at the United Nations, the OIC and other multilateral forums on issues of mutual interest, including Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir.
The President conveyed his best wishes to the Ambassador-Designate for a successful and productive tenure and asked him to convey his warm greetings to the Libyan leadership and people.
Maj. Gen. (R) Mumtaz Hussain said that his priority as Ambassador would be to work on matters concerning the Pakistani community in Libya and to promote and increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and Libya.
