ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Cuba agreed to promote cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, technical education and other areas of mutual interest.

Both the countries signed an agreement for establishing a joint commission to strengthen their ties in various areas of mutual interest.

Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD) Sibtain Fazal Halim signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan government, whereas Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Marcos F Rodriguez Costa represented his country.

Under the agreement, both the countries will exchange specialists and professionals for exploring the prospects of cooperation in economic, commercial, technical scientific and other related fields.

The agreement also includes the undertaking of feasibility studies to identify viable investment projects, granting of scholarships for specialized studies, professionals development and technical education and vocational training.

The commission will be presided at the ministerial level, appointed by the two countries.

The joint commission will hold its annual session alternately in both counties and will review progress of decisions, undertaken in the previous meetings.

It may be recalled that about 5,000 medical professionals including doctors and paramedics are being produced annually in the country, and out of these Cuba is funding 936 students.—APP