Viva España: ‘Spain keen to cement ties with Pakistan’

Ambassador says Pakistanis working in Spain help create “better knowledge and understanding of country among Spaniards

ISLAMABAD:

The Spanish Embassy celebrated Fiesta Nacional de España — Spanish National Day — with a lively reception at the embassy on Monday.

Guests, many of whom were diplomats, politicians, and heavy-hitters in the business world, were welcomed by a red carpet leading to the embassy lawns, where delicious hors d’oeuvres, pasta, fish samosa chaat, and nachos were among the tasty delights on offer.

But before the food came the speeches.

Spanish Ambassador Carlos Morales welcomed guests and noted that this year marks the 61st anniversary of the establishment of Pak-Spain diplomatic ties, adding that the Kingdom of Spain wants to “strengthen bilateral ties and open new areas for cooperation”. He noted that bilateral trade volume is around $1 billion, which is “off the mark” in terms of potential. Morales said there is a lot of investment in Pakistan in air traffic and defense fields, but he would also like to see more Spanish companies coming in. He also explained how Spain should be of interest to Pakistani investors due to the reforms which have created a “vibrant economy” brought economic growth of 3.1 per cent — among the highest in Europe.

He also wanted Pakistan to know what Spain has to offer on the tourism front, noting that the country of 46 million hosts over 65 million tourists every year.

As for direct ties, Morales said Pakistanis working in Spain, help create “better knowledge and understanding of the country among Spaniards, while also noting that, “Spain supports democracy and rule of law in Pakistan and values your contributions to peace and freedom”.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2015.