ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi on Wednesday underlined the need for increasing and diversifying trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Brunei Darussalam for mutual benefit.

He was talking to the outgoing High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, Brigadier General (R) Dato Mahmud Saidin, who called on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The President said that Pakistan and Brunei Darussalam were enjoying excellent relations which were deeply rooted in shared values, religious commonalities as well as shared aspirations for global peace and stability.

He added that Pakistan had a strong agriculture sector and Brunei could benefit from Pakistan’s expertise in this sector.

The President expressed satisfaction over the fact that Pak-Brunei Investment Company, a joint venture between the government of Pakistan and Brunei Investment Agency, was playing a major role in the country's economic progress by providing an entire range of advisory services as well as financial support to viable business projects.

He highlighted the role of Pakistani doctors who were contributing to the well-being of the people of Brunei Darussalam.

The President also appreciated the services of the outgoing High Commissioner for strengthening bilateral ties as well as promoting economic relations between the two brotherly countries.

He emphasized the need for promoting people-to-people contacts as well as cultural exchanges that would greatly help in bringing the two countries further closer.

Brigadier General (R) Dato Mahmud Saidin highly praised the services of Pakistani doctors who had been doing commendable job for the welfare of people in Brunei, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.