Trained nurses' provision: Pakistan-Portugal joint body to examine possibility

Pakistan and Portugal on Tuesday decided to set up a joint task force to examine the possibility of provision of trained nurses to Portugal. The decision was made at a meeting held between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister of Portugal, Jose Socrates on the sidelines of World Future Energy Summit, 2011, during which they also agreed to develop partnership in the socio-economic sector.
It was noted that Pakistan has the capability to produce trained nursing professionals for service in Portugal and other European and Middle Eastern countries. Co-operation to this effect could be beneficial for both sides, said Zardari, adding that Pakistan could train and export qualified nurses to the country under a mutually agreed framework.
He also highlighted Pakistan's role as frontline state in war against militancy, sacrifices rendered by its people and the armed forces and called for greater international understanding and support to Pakistan to fight the menace. The two leaders touched upon various matters of common interest including the situation in Afghanistan and bilateral co-operation in the energy sector. Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)-Plus facility and Pakistan's bid for signing Free Trade Agreement with European Union also came under discussion. The president also called for Portugal's support on negotiations on FTA with EU.
Both sides also identified areas for trade co-operation like yarn, leather and leather products, cotton fabrics, synthetic textiles, cutlery, towels, footwear, surgical instruments, chemicals, furniture, marble and onyx, rice, readymade garments, raw cotton, hosiery and linen, industrial machinery and related equipment.
The president observed that Pakistan-Portugal relations are multifaceted and friendly characterised by mutual respect and shared interests as both the countries have supported each other's candidatures to a number of positions in various UN and international bodies.