By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and New Zealand agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, education, trade and investment as senior officials from the two countries held a Joint Trade Committee meeting and political consultations in Wellington.
The third meeting of the Pakistan-New Zealand Joint Trade Committee and the fifth round of bilateral political consultations were held on Thursday. The meetings provided an opportunity for both sides to review existing ties and identify new areas for practical cooperation.
A key outcome was the signing of an Education Cooperation Arrangement between Pakistan and New Zealand. The agreement was expected to strengthen institutional links and expand cooperation in the education sector.
At the Joint Trade Committee meeting, officials focused on increasing bilateral trade and investment. Agriculture, technology, education and services featured prominently in the discussions.
The two sides also discussed ways to improve market access and expand cooperation in sustainable agriculture. Technical collaboration in wool production and plant protection was among the areas considered. Officials also examined institutional mechanisms that could help promote closer economic cooperation.
Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul Khawaja represented Pakistan at the trade meeting, while Grahame Morton, deputy secretary of the Americas and Asia Group at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, led the New Zealand delegation.
The political consultations were co-chaired by Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary for Asia Pacific, Ambassador Dr Syed Ali Asad Gillani, and Morton.
The two sides conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments. They also agreed to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums.
