Pakistan and Albania agree to promote bilateral relations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Albania have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations by promoting trade and economic ties and increasing cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Albanian President Alfred Moisiu, who took off from Islamabad late on Sunday at the end of his 3-day visit, held talks with President Pervez Musharraf and Senate Chairman Mohammadmian Soomro.

President Musharraf briefed his Albanian counterpart on the regional situation and the peace process between Pakistan and India. The situation in Afghanistan and the useful role of Albanian peacekeepers in bringing peace and stability in that country was also discussed. President Musharraf reiterated his support to the Albanian position on Kosovo.

President Moisiu acknowledged the commitment of President Musharraf against terrorism and extremism. He also expressed his gratitude to the president for supporting the Albanian stand on Kosovo.

Both leaders agreed that an early resolution of disputes in Kashmir and Palestine and return of normalcy in Afghanistan and Iraq were essential for global peace and security. The Albanian president praised the vision of “Enlightened Moderation” expounded by President Musharraf for Muslims to deal with the new emerging challenges. He said the vision would help strengthen the Organisation of Islamic Conference and make it an effective voice on global issues.

The Albanian president held talks with Senate chairman Mohammadmian Soomro who hosted a dinner in his honour. The chairman said Pakistan was a peace-loving country and trying to ensure regional stability. He stressed the need for more bilateral visits. Both leaders suggested that a parliamentary friendship group be set up in their countires’parliaments to promote relations between the two countries.

The Senate chairman stressed the need for more interaction between the businessmen of the two countries. He added that there was scope for joint ventures and investment especially in areas such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, banking, insurance and construction.

The chairman said Pakistan could supply oil and gas processing plants, thermal and hydroelectric power plants, cranes, boilers, transmission line towers, irrigation pumps, construction machinery and steel structures to Albania. The Senate chairman invited Albanian businessmen to benefit from Pakistan’s liberal investment policy that offered best return to investors. app

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