ANTALYA: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to transform its longstanding and friendly relations with Finland into a forward-looking partnership, focusing on trade and investment, education, skills development, technology, climate resilience and people-to-people contacts.
The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
During the meeting, both leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the considerable potential for enhancing bilateral trade and welcomed the presence of Finnish companies, including Nokia, Wärtsilä, Metso and Vaisala, in Pakistan.
He encouraged greater business-to-business engagement, technology transfer and investment in telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, clean technologies and mining.
The two leaders also exchanged views on climate change, disaster risk reduction and environmental cooperation. The prime minister expressed Pakistan’s interest in benefiting from Finland’s technical expertise in flood forecasting, water management, climate-resilient agriculture, glacier monitoring and early-warning systems.
Emphasising the importance of dialogue, mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes, the leaders also discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve peaceful and lasting solutions to conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.
President Alexander Stubb appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and mediation between Iran and the United States.
Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining regular engagement and exploring practical opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The prime minister also reiterated his invitation to President Stubb to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.
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