Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif meet Sri Lankan President and Swedish Premier Stefan Lofven

New York : Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif met Sri Lankan President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena earlier today on the sidelines of the 70^th UNGA Session in New York. The Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Sirisena on the success of his party in recent elections held in Sri Lanka on August 17, 2015. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would be further strengthened under the new government.

The two leaders discussed matters of bilateral importance including defence cooperation, trade enhancement, economic cooperation, people to people exchanges, culture and sports etc. Cooperation between both countries at multilateral fora such as the United Nations and SAARC also came under discussion.

The Prime Minister also shared views with the Sri Lankan President on the regional situation, particularly with respect to India and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile,Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister of Sweden, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif earlier today on the sidelines of the 70th UNGA Session in New York.

The Prime Minister thanked Mr. Lofven for Sweden’s support to Pakistan in securing GSP Plus status. Current bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Sweden is US$ 439 million, which has the potential to increase in the coming years. The Prime Minister invited Swedish companies to benefit from the attractive investment opportunities on offer in Pakistan.

Both leaders exchanged views on a number of issues including renewable energy, trade, health, education and the role of Pakistani diaspora in Sweden. Multilateral cooperation at the United Nations, including mutual support for candidatures to key international bodies was also discussed.

On regional security, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to support peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. He also stressed that Pakistan sought improved ties with India but without any preconditions.

The Swedish Prime Minister lauded Pakistan’s successful military campaign against terrorists within the country. He also expressed deep appreciation and significant role of Pakistan in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan.