Pakistan, Bosnia agree to expand cooperation in diversified fields

Islamabad: Bosnia presidency chairman Sefik Dzaferovic presented guard of honor at PM House

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan and Bosnia on Wednesday have agreed to improve the volume of trade and expand cooperation in different fields. The understanding came at a meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sefik Dzaferovic in Islamabad today. Later, in a joint media talk, Prime Minister Imran Khan pointed out that the trade between the two countries currently stands at four point five million Euros which is nothing. He said both the sides have decided to hold further deliberations to improve trade and cooperation in every field. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Bosnian President for his principled stance on Kashmir dispute. He said India has been taken over by a fascist regime that is not only persecuting innocent people in occupied Jammu and Kashmir but also targeting its minorities especially the Muslims. Voicing his concerns over rising trend of Islamophobia, the Prime Minister said freedom of speech shouldn’t be used as a tool to hurt the sentiments of any religious community. He said desecration of holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Sallaallaho Alaihe Wa Sallam Khatim-un Nabiyeen causes the greatest pain to the Muslims and the Western countries must understand it. In his remarks on the occasion, the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia said both the countries have stood by each other in difficult times. Regarding Kashmir Dispute, Sefik Dzaferovic said human rights of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir must be respected. He also stressed for the resolution of the dispute in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions. Sefik Dzaferovic strongly condemened Islamophobic incidents in the world. He said these are unacceptable and religious feelings of the Muslims should not be hurt. He called for a dialogue to build bridges and evolve unity around diversity. The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia said there are great opportunities of cooperation between the two countries in diverse areas including military, agriculture and diplomacy. Sefik Dzaferovic was appreciative of the fact that Pakistan has successfully tackled the COVID-19 pandemic. He thanked Pakistan for offering assistance to Bosnia in fight against the pandemic. He also invited Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Bosnia.

Pakistan, Bosnia ink accords on return of illegal migrants, scientific cooperation

Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina has also inked two accords of cooperation including an Agreement on readmission of illegal Pakistani migrants and a Memorandum of Understanding on scientific cooperation.

Under the Agreement, a large number of illegal migrants from Pakistanis currently in Bosnia & Herzegovina through the readmission process will be returned and accepted by their country of origin.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and visiting Chairman of Presidency of Bosnia & Herzegovina Sefik Dzaferovic witnessed the signing ceremony, held here at the PM House.

The Agreement between the Government of Pakistan and Council of Minister of Bosnia & Herzegovina on streamlining the protocols of readmission of illegal Pakistanis was signed by Interior Minister retired Brigadier Ijaz Ahmed Shah and Bosnian Minister for Security Selmo Cikotic.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Council of Ministers of Bosnia & Herzegovina in the field of scientific cooperation was inked by Federal Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain and Bosnian Minister for Security Selmo Cikotic.

Bosnia presidency chairman meets Foreign Minister Qureshi

Sefik Dzaferovic has called for peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute in the light of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

He made the remarks during his meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad today.

Dzaferovic said human rights should be respected in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan and Bosnia enjoy close relations and his visit will further strengthen bilateral relations.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi briefed the Bosnian delegation about the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and appreciated his statement on the occupied territory.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said both the countries have always stood by each other in difficult times. He said Pakistan desires to expand relations with Bosnia in different fields including bilateral trade, education, culture and people to people contacts. It is to be mentioned here that Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sefik Dzaferovic had arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit earlier today. A high-level delegation, including the Minister for Security as well as Presidential Advisers was accompanying the Bosnian President. During his stay, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sefik Dzaferovic will also hold talks with President Dr. Arif Alvi. He will also have separate interactions with Speaker National Assembly, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment, and other dignitaries. The visit of the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina will serve to enhance bilateral relations and strengthen cooperative bonds between the people of the two countries.