Spain has offered micro-credit facility with an initial equity of 10 million euros, Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri said after talks with the visiting Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratins here on Tuesday.
Addressing a joint press conference with his Spanish counterpart at the Foreign Office, Kasuri welcomed the Spanish offer and said that the two governments would formulate the modalities of the micro-credit facility.
The two foreign ministers also signed a protocol on bilateral consultations and international co-operation. Kasuri said: "Spain has also agreed to provide technical expertise to Pakistan in the field of olive plantation, which would give boost to our seed oil production."
"Pakistan has also sought Spain''s support for the trade issues within the EU such as anti-dumping duty on the bed-linen," he added. Kasuri said both Pakistan and Spain have also agreed to expand defence co-operation, particularly in the area of procurement, and also revised air service agreement that would enable direct flights from Islamabad to Barcelona to facilitate travel, particularly for Pakistani community in Spain.
"I also underlined the need for further strengthening the rapidly expanding commercial relations between the two countries and briefed him on the investment opportunities in Pakistan for Spanish entrepreneurs," Kasuri said.
The Spanish foreign minister said that the two countries have made a commitment to working together and reinforcing economic and financial co-operation.
He said that 60,000 strong Pakistani community in Spain was making good contribution to the economic development of the country and Spaniards were very happy with their role.
The Spanish foreign minister said that Spain has agreed to co-sponsor "alliance of civilisations" conference in Islamabad along with Pakistan and Turkey to promote interfaith and inter-cultural harmony and support a resolution in the United Nations against defamation of religions.
Moratins said that Spain regrets the sufferings of the Muslims and the Islamic communities after publication of the sacrilegious caricatures.
He said the Spanish government has been working with the Organisation of Islamic Conference OIC), Arab League and the United Nations to promote interfaith and inter-cultural harmony. "I assure the Pakistani people that Spain and Pakistan would work together to solve this international issue," he added.
Kasuri said that Pakistan and Spain are uniquely placed to play an important role in enhancing understanding between Islam and the West.
He thanked the Spanish government for providing prompt and generous assistance, including the largest contingent of 400 personnel of the Nato Rapid Reaction Force for relief and rescue of the earthquake victims.
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