Pakistan to provide qualified nurses to Portugal

[sonicboom]

Pakistan to provide qualified nurses to Portugal

* Zardari says cooperation can be beneficial for both sides

* President meets Portuguese PM, agrees to develop partnership in socio-economic sector

ABU DHABI: The governments of Pakistan and Portugal decided on Tuesday to set up a joint task force to examine the possibility of exporting trained nurses to Portugal.

The decision was reached at a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates at the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit, 2011. An agreement on developing a partnership in the socio-economic sector was also reached during the two leaders’ meeting.

It was noted that Pakistan had the capability to produce trained nursing professionals for service in Portugal and other European and Middle Eastern countries.

“The cooperation to this effect can be beneficial for both sides,” Zardari said, adding that Pakistan could train and export qualified nurses to Portugal under a mutually agreed framework.

Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in the war against terrorism and the sacrifices rendered by its people and the armed forces. He called for greater international understanding and support to the country in fighting the menace.

Zardari said that relations between Pakistan and Portugal were multifaceted and friendly, characterised by mutual respect and shared interests. Pakistan and Portugal have supported each other’s candidatures to a number of positions in various UN and international bodies, he added. It was noted that as a result of the number of visits taken place between the two countries in the recent years, their bilateral relations had received fresh momentum.

The two leaders also touched upon various matters of common interests, including the situation in Afghanistan and bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Plus facility and Pakistan’s bid for signing the Free Trade Agreement with EU also came under discussion. The president urged Portugal’s support for GSP Plus and for negotiations with the EU on FTA.

The president expressed appreciation at Portugal’s support in the initiative, taken recently by the EU Council, approving special trade concessions to Pakistan.

It was also agreed that the country learn from Portuguese experience in coastal monitoring and establish a similar structure in Pakistan.

The two sides also identified various areas for trade cooperation like yarn, leather and leather products, cotton fabrics and synthetic textiles, among others.

Socrates underscored the need for further enhancing bilateral relations. He acknowledged Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism and assured full support to the country in its fight against militancy. app

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