H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, on his official visit second day of visit to Scotland, met Scottish National Party (SNP), leader Alex Salmond, Scottish Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf and Member of Parliament Tasmina Sheikh on 14 January 216, besides MSPs including Hanzala Malik, Johann Lamont, Anne McTaggart, Michael McMahon, Jim Eadie and Mary Fee. A wide range of issues of bilateral interest were discussed during the meeting, says a press release received here today from London.
The High Commissioner gave a briefing to a group of 10 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), Cross Party Group on Middle East, on issues of mutual interest and possible cooperation. He apprised the MSPs about the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the prospects it affords for Pakistan and the region’s economy. The High Commissioner also briefed the MSPs on the economic turnaround in Pakistan due to the business and investment friendly policies of the government.
The High Commissioner stated that Pakistan’s economy is undergoing sustained growth, and invited Scottish companies to invest in Pakistan and take advantage of the liberal investment policies. He also informed the Scottish leadership about plans to hold a Pakistan-UK Business forum in Scotland during the summer this year. The High Commissioner briefed the Scottish leadership on the improved security situation in Pakistan and the success of Operation Zarb e Azb under the National Action Plan.
On this occasion, it was agreed to renew the people to people, business and cultural contacts between Lahore-Glasgow Twin Cities (Twinning Agreement between Lahore and Glasgow was signed in 2006, with the aim to encourage and establish close relations between the two cities). In this regard, it was also agreed to have a significant cultural representation from Pakistan at the Edinburgh Festival to mark the 70th Anniversary of Pakistan’s independence in 2017. Minister Humza Yousaf and MP Tasmina Sheikh updated the High Commissioner about the forthcoming renewed Pakistan Plan of the Scottish Government for bilateral partnership in trade, education and culture.
The visit of the High Commissioner was in continuation of his community outreach efforts.
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