ISLAMABAD - Ambassador of Spain Carlos Morales hosted a reception to celebrate the national day of his country here at his residence in Diplomatic Enclave.
Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain was the chief guest while ambassadors of the European Union were also there. National anthems of Pakistan and Spain were played on the occasion. Spanish reception is always crowded with quality of participants from all walks of life. Cuban Ambassador Jesus Zenen Buergo was really enjoying the Spanish tunes and songs being played during the reception. He informed that resolution to lift trade embargo on Cuba would be voted in the UN General Assembly on 27th of October. He was hopeful that the resolution would be adopted unanimously.
Addressing on the occasion, Rana Tanveer Hussain said Pakistan matters its relations with Spain at government as well as public level. He further said that bilateral relations between both countries have always been brotherly and sincere, based upon good friendship in all fields including trade, investment, defence, energy, education and culture.
He said the visits of political leadership of both the countries could provide a fresh impetus to Pak-German relations and Pakistan welcomes the visit of Spanish parliamentarians. He said more than 100,000 Pakistanis living in Spain act as a bridge between people of Pakistan and Spain.
Hussain said there is great room for future cooperation/collaboration between the two countries and the government of Pakistan has keen desire to consolidate existing relations with Spain in all sectors, mainly in renewable energy, agriculture, culture and infrastructure.
Spanish Ambassador Carlos Morales in his speech said, “We want to strengthen our bilateral ties, explore the potential of the relations and open new areas of cooperation. Economic diplomacy will certainly play a major role in this endeavour.” He said Pakistan is a trade and investment partner with a great potential, adding Pakistan and Spain together can create wealth and job opportunities for both countries. He said bilateral trade between both countries is fast approaching the one billion dollars mark, still far away from its full potential. He urged that Businesspersons from both sides should meet more often and identify more areas of mutual interest and benefit.
The Spanish ambassador said, “Next year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Germany and it would be a good opportunity to reassess where we stand now and what we want to achieve together in the years to come.”
He said, “Spain fully supports democracy, rule of law and stability in Pakistan and highly values its contribution to peace and security in the region.” He further said that both countries share common views on global issues from counterterrorism and fight against extremism to reforms of the United Nations, peace-keeping operations and climate change.
He also expressed his gratitude for the hospitality shown by Pakistanis since his arrival in the country.
—The writer is a freelance contributor.