Science and technology vital to progress, prosperity: Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that unanimity of views and people to people contacts between Pakistan and Yemen have facilitated to strengthen the bilateral relations. He expressed the confidence that the meeting of the 5th joint commission of the two countries would be fruitful to further promote diplomatic and economic ties between the two brotherly countries.
The Prime Minister was talking to Dr Yaha Y. Mutawakal, the Minister for Industries & Trade of Yemen who called on him here at the Prime Minister's Secretariat on Tuesday. The Prime Minister said that he was pleased to learn that both Pakistan and Yemen are moving in the same direction to develop and compete with the world by strengthening their economies. In this context, he stressed the need for the acquisitions and applications of knowledge particularly science and technology (S&T), which is essential for the progress and prosperity of any country.
The Prime Minister said that the new coalition government in Pakistan is facing a number of challenges foremost being economic difficulties and law & order situation. The government, he said, is determined to confront these challenges so as to ensure conducive atmosphere for investment and also to ensure political stability. The socio-political stability, he said, leads to economic stability.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. A comprehensive multi-pronged strategy is being devised, he added, which would supplement efforts to overcome the causes of this phenomenon. As regards food security and energy shortage, he said appropriate short and long term measures are being adopted to check these trends.
The Minister for Industries and Trade of Yemen said that Yemen desires to increase its trade and economic links with Pakistan. Referring to the deliberations of the 5th joint commission meeting he said that they have been able to identify specific areas of co-operation, which would benefit both countries.
He further mentioned that Yemen is interested to import trained manpower from Pakistan in the medical field particularly para-medical staff. He also showed interest for assistance in the field of textile and pharmaceutical sectors. The Minister for Industries conveyed the greetings of Yemeni leadership and congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming the office of the Prime Minister.