Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has asked Pakistan's Ambassador-designate to Libya to work towards strengthening high-level political engagement and expanding economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Libya. He was talking to Pakistan's Ambassador-designate to Libya, Major General (retired) Mumtaz Hussain, who called on him in Islamabad today.

According to Radio Pakistan, the President congratulated Major General (retired) Mumtaz Hussain on his appointment and emphasized that Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding and cordial relations with Libya, which are rooted in shared faith, mutual respect, and common values. He highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including defense, energy, information technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, and human resource development.

The President also stressed the importance of increased interaction between the business communities of the two countries and pointed out the investment opportunities in Pakistan under the Special Investment Facilitation Council. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to supporting Libya's sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and efforts for lasting peace, stability, and national reconciliation.

Furthermore, President Zardari urged the Ambassador-designate to prioritize the welfare of the Pakistani community in Libya and expressed hope for continued cooperation with Libya at the United Nations, the OIC, and other multilateral forums on issues of mutual interest, such as Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.

The President conveyed his best wishes to the Ambassador-designate for a successful and productive tenure and requested him to extend his warm greetings to the Libyan leadership and people. In response, Major General (retired) Mumtaz Hussain stated that his priority as Ambassador will be to address matters concerning the Pakistani community in Libya and to promote and increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and Libya.