Pak, Italy discusses projects in various sectors

Islamabad: Pakistan and Italy discussed projects in the energy sector, SMEs development, higher education and archaeological excavations.

Ambassador Lannucci, Head of Asia, Oceana and Pacific in the Italian Foreign Ministry held bilateral consultations with Additional Secretary (Europe), Akbar Zeb in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here and discussed issues of mutual importance.

The consultations took place in the wake of the Italian foreign minister's recent visit to Islamabad and the meeting between the two Prime Ministers in Beijing on the sidelines of the Asem Summit in October.

During these consultations, the two sides reviewed the important decisions taken during the two high level exchanges and resolved to translate these into concrete initiatives.

As part of the consultations, the two sides also discussed the regional situation in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, Afghanistan, the Friends of Democratic Pakistan initiative and UN Reforms. Pakistan and Italy enjoy close and cordial relations and take co-ordinated positions on important regional and global issues.

Bilateral trade is over one billion dollars and Italy has substantial investments in Pakistan. Italy supports Pakistan at important regional forums.