Bilateral trade: Afghan envoy, CM discuss cooperation

Both countries hope to establish better relations and help each other on economic and trade matters

LAHORE: Afghanistan Ambassador to Pakistan Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal called on Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday to discuss matters of mutual interest, including promotion of bilateral relations and extension in cooperation in different sectors.

Shehbaz told the envoy that Pakistan and Afghanistan were intertwined in brotherly relations. “Terrorism and extremism are collective problems of the nations across the world and collective steps are needed to deal with it,” he said, adding that Pakistan and Afghanistan stand united in the journey of peace, which is a prerequisite for harmony in the region.

Shehbaz said both countries should take further steps to promote economic and trade relations. In a separate meeting, World Bank CEO Kristalina Georieva said the Punjab government had shown wonderful performance in different sectors under the leadership of the CM. “You are doing a wonderful job to empower the youth. I am impressed by your performance in the education sector as well as the healthcare sector.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2017.