NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dr. Denis Bećirović on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, with the two leaders reviewing bilateral relations and exchanging views on regional and international developments.
The meeting covered a wide range of areas, including political and economic relations, defence cooperation, skilled labour mobility, education and cultural exchanges.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its historically close and fraternal ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina and expressed his desire to transform the relationship into a broad-based partnership anchored in trade and economic cooperation.
The prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that regional stability depended on a strong, stable and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Congratulating President Bećirović on the formal opening of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European Union accession talks, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan viewed the country as a potential regional trade and connectivity hub for Pakistani goods seeking access to European and Western Balkan markets.
Dr. Denis Bećirović appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating de-escalation and normalization in West Asia and the Gulf region.
He also expressed support for Pakistan’s position regarding the legal status of the Indus Waters Treaty and its opposition to placing the treaty in abeyance.
The two leaders agreed to remain closely engaged to further advance bilateral relations and expressed support for increased high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the coming period.