During a meeting with Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorovoat, he appreciated the longstanding Pakistan-Italy cooperation in various areas, a Foreign Office statement said.       The two sides discussed a wide range of regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction at the current state of relations.

The foreign minister welcomed the signing of memorandum of understanding between Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Italian Trade Promotion Agency to enhance trade and establishment of four Centers of Excellence in Pakistan in the fields of marble and mining, leather and denim clothing.

It was also agreed to augment cooperation in tourism and archaeological research sector, particularly through joint ventures to develop mutually identified tourism facilities.

The Italian ambassador assured full cooperation of his government in working with Pakistan to continue and enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest.