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PR. No. 281/2009

Date: 23/07/2009   

THE NEW ZEALAND FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON THE FOREIGN MINISTER

The Foreign Minister of New Zealand , Mr. Murray McCully called on the Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the margins of the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Phuket , Thailand on 22 July 2009 .

The two leaders discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest and expressed satisfaction that the bilateral relations were progressing smoothly. They noted the convergence of interest of the two countries: like their passion for cricket, linkages through commonwealth and support at the International fora.

It was agreed that both sides would give further impetus to bilateral relations, especially in the economic sphere. Foreign Minister Qureshi noted that Pakistan was an investor friendly country; and both sides can consider joint ventures in infrastructure development, housing, mining, power generation, forestry and livestock. The Foreign Minister also expressed satisfaction over collaboration in educational field, which offered scope for further cooperation.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to hold the next round of Bilateral Policy consultations at the FM level in Wellington later this year; for which the New Zealand Foreign Minister extended an invitation to the Foreign Minister.

New Zealand Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan 's role in fight against militancy and terrorism, and the sacrifices that Pakistani forces are rendering. Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized that peace and stability in Afghanistan was extremely important for the region. Pakistan and Afghanistan , therefore, were engaged on multiple tracks to deal with the current situation.

Islamabad

23 July 2009