ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari received the credentials of newly-appointed ambassadors and high commissioners from Canada, Lebanon, the Netherlands, and New Zealand in a formal ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Presenting their letters of credence were Canadian High Commissioner Tariq Ali Khan, Lebanese Ambassador Abdulaziz Issa, Dutch Ambassador Robert Jan Siegert and New Zealand High Commissioner David Pine.
President Zardari congratulated the envoys on their new assignments and expressed hope that their tenure would further strengthen bilateral relations.
During his interaction with the Canadian envoy, President Zardari noted the long-standing and friendly ties between Pakistan and Canada, emphasizing the need to expand cooperation in the areas of information technology, energy, and mineral resources.
Speaking to the Lebanese ambassador, the President conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Lebanon and strongly condemned Israeli aggression. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his meeting with the Dutch ambassador, President Zardari highlighted the importance of enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, and education. He acknowledged the Netherlands’ valuable support in water management and environmental sustainability initiatives in Pakistan.
With the New Zealand High Commissioner, the President discussed opportunities for increased cooperation in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and clean energy, expressing optimism about expanding ties between the two countries.
President Zardari extended his best wishes to all four diplomats, expressing confidence that their efforts would contribute to deepening mutual cooperation and understanding.
In a separate engagement, President Zardari met with Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s newly appointed ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. The President congratulated him on his new role and expressed confidence that he would play a vital part in elevating relations between the two brotherly nations.
