ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday said that Pakistan and Bosnia-Herzegovina needed to work on a preferential trade agreement so that economic relations between the two countries could be based on sound footings.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted in honour of the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bakir Izetbegovi? at Prime Minister House, the prime minister welcomed the proposal of the Chairman of Presidency of Bosnia Herzegovina to focus on specific projects so that both the countries could make tangible progress.

He said that Pakistan, being an agricultural country and having a large agro-based industry, could extend cooperation in this field.

Reiterating Pakistan's commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and support for its quest for membership of the European Union and Nato, the prime minister appreciated the Bosnian support in multilateral forums, including Pakistan's candidature for the UN Security Council's non-permanent seat.

The prime minister also proposed exchange of technical experts between the two countries and cooperation in the field of science and technology.

Prime Minister Ashraf said that the Bosnian president's visit would pave the way for more cooperation between the two countries. He also said that the people and government of Pakistan had great respect for his father Alija Izetbegovi?.

Speaking on the occasion, the Bosnian president said that there was now stability in Bosnia Herzegovina and they were making efforts to attract investment and improve economy.

He said that Bosnia-Herzegovina was also looking forward to joining the EU, which would provide Pakistan a window to Europe and its markets.