Trade on top of PM Sharif's meetings with world leaders

In a bilateral meeting held this afternoon, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif met German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel and thanked her for Germany’s support to Pakistan in a number of spheres, particularly in securing GSP Plus trade concessions.

Both the countries enjoy a bilateral trade volume of US$ 2.5 billion, which has tremendous potential for growth in coming years. He also invited German investment in Pakistan, particularly through use of German technology and technical expertise in developing Thar coal, one of the largest coal reserves in the world.

The two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral issues including trade, energy, health, education, agriculture, automobile industry etc.

Meeting with Swedish counterpart

Earlier to this, Mr. Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister of Sweden, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

PM Nawaz Sharif 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.

He 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.

Meeting with Sri Lankan president

PM Sharif also met Sri Lankan President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena and congratulated him on the success of his party in recent elections held in Sri Lanka on August 17, 2015.

He 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 Pakistan premier also shared views with the Sri Lankan president on the regional situation, particularly with respect to India and Afghanistan.