PM invites Estonia, Dutch firms to invest in Pakistan

Kakar holds separate meetings with prime ministers Rutte, Kaja on sidelines of COP28

DUBAI:

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday respectively met with the prime ministers of the Netherlands and Estonia, Mark Rutte and Kaja Kallas, wherein he invited their firms to invest in agriculture, horticulture, water management, renewable energy and education sectors of Pakistan.

In the meeting with Rutte held on the sidelines of 28th Conference of Parties (COP28), both the leaders appreciated the celebrations held in Islamabad and The Hague to mark 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

This was their second meeting after the one held in New York, United States on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, including situation in Afghanistan.

They also discussed the evolving human rights and humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Prime Minister Kakar underscored that Pakistan and the Netherlands should work together bilaterally as well as through the European Union on matters of mutual interest.

Both the leaders expressed satisfaction on the upward trajectory in bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

The prime minister highlighted the importance of concrete outcome on climate action and referred to Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities despite being one of the lowest carbon emitters.

Prime Minister Kakar invited the Dutch prime minister to visit Pakistan.

In another meeting on the sidelines of the World Climate Action Summit, PM Kakar and Kaja agreed to explore the areas of potential cooperation between the two sides including at the level of educational institutions.

During the meeting, Kakar expressed Pakistan’s desire to develop cooperative linkages with Estonia particularly in trade and investment, higher education and information technology.

The two leaders emphasised the importance of regular high-level engagement and dialogue to realise the true potential of bilateral ties.

Kakar underscored the significance of exploring possibilities of strengthening economic ties.

Kaja agreed and welcomed the signing of the Convention on Elimination of Double Taxation between the two sides.

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The two prime ministers discussed the importance of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence in dealing with food insecurity and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Kakar appreciated the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, emphasising the need for concrete actions in the domain of climate action.

The prime minister of Estonia said that climate change was an issue of global concern and must be addressed collectively.

They also agreed on the need for working together to address common challenges such as climate change and food security.

The meeting was held at Pakistan Pavilion which also showcased Pakistani art. This engagement provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and other issues of regional and global importance, including threats posed by climate change.

During his visit to the Pakistan Pavilion, established at the venue of United Nations’ COP28, PM Kakar was briefed on the efforts being made by Pakistanis with regard to the negotiations and facilitation in the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund.

He was also briefed on the ‘Living Indus Initiative’ which was designed to rehabilitate the health of the Indus Basin in Pakistan through climate-resilient approaches and nature-based solutions.

The prime minister also met the Pakistani climate experts at the pavilion and appreciated their efforts with regards to climate change risk mitigation.

Caretaker ministers for foreign affairs and climate change, and Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates also accompanied the prime minister.

Kakar also held informal interactions with multiple world leaders, on the sidelines of the COP28 summit.

Among those whom the prime minister interacted with informally, included British Prime Minister Rishi Sunik and Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredrickson.

The prime minister also held an informal interaction with British King Charles III as they participated in the family photo of High Level Segment of 28th Conference of Parties.