ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday talked to German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel and President-elect of the Maldives Ibrahim Mohammed Solih in separate telephone calls and vowed to boost bilateral and trade ties with the two countries.

German Chancellor telephoned Mr Khan and congratulated him on his election as the prime minister of Pakistan.

According to the Prime Minister Office’s media cell, Ms Merkel emphasised the importance of deepening bilateral relations and expressed the desire to expand cooperation in diverse fields and work together on issues of mutual interest at the regional and global levels.

On this occasion, Mr Khan thanked the German Chancellor for her call and expressed the desire for further enhancing bilateral relations with Germany into mutually beneficial, broad-based and long-term partnership.

Imran Khan talks to Chancellor Merkel, president-elect Solih on phone

He said that Germany was the largest trading partner of Pakistan in Europe and there was a substantial potential for cooperation in spheres of energy and automobile sectors and investment in hydroelectric generation.

The prime minister also briefed Ms Merkel on the regional situation, especially the importance of a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan and relations with India.

He underscored the need for resumption of comprehensive dialogue with India to address all outstanding issues.

Ms Merkel invited Prime Minister Khan to visit Germany at his earliest convenience. The prime minister accepted the invitation.

Later, Prime Minister Imran Khan telephoned President-elect of Maldives Ibrahim Mohammed Solih and felicitated him on his victory in the recent presidential elections.

Underscoring that Maldives was entering a new era, the prime minster hoped that under the leadership of President-elect Ibrahim Mohammad Solih, the country and its people would achieve great success and prosperity.

Both leaders reiterated their resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations, which are characterised by cordiality, religious affinity and close cooperation. They also expressed desire to work closely on issues of mutual interest and for the benefit of peoples of the two countries.

The Maldives’ President-elect thanked the prime minister for the telephone call and congratulated him on assumption of his office.

He invited Prime Minister Khan to visit Maldives at a mutually convenient date.

Punjab CM meets PM

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Ahmed Khan Buzdar called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and discussed with him matters relating to the province.

Former MNA Nadeem Afzal Chan also met Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2018