By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif warmly welcomed and held a meeting with Ireland’s first Resident Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Ms. Mary O’Neill to discuss matters relating to strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Ireland. She also discussed in details on improving bilateral trade opportunities, besides enhancing climate cooperation, education and IT ties and people-to-people connections.
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Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif invited Ireland to invest in Punjab, and assured Irish investors full facilitation and support of the provincial government. She emphasized that Ireland is a symbol of principle-based governance and progressive values, terming establishment of Ireland’s first embassy in Islamabad a “historic milestone” in bilateral ties.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said,”Opening of Irish Embassy in Islamabad marks beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan-Ireland relations, which will serve as a major platform for building partnership between Punjab and Irish institutions, businesses and public at large.” She noted that Irish Embassy would help elevate political, economic, cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries. She added that both Pakistan and Ireland support peace, multilateralism and a rules-based international order in the world. She highlighted that Punjab is one of the most climate-affected regions of the world due to recent devastating floods. She underscored that huge potential for cooperation exists between Punjab and Ireland in climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and green transition initiatives.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif while delineating her views on trade prospects pointed out that current bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Ireland stands at USD 213 million which manifests a significant scope for growth. She noted that Punjab offers great opportunities in various sectors such as agricultural development, dairy farming, livestock, information technology and renewable energy.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is actively offering special incentives, facilities to foreign investors, and has invited Irish investors to benefit from such investment-friendly opportunities of the government. On the cultural and people-to-people front, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif appreciated recent T20 cricket series held in Dublin in 2024 and the scheduled tour of Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team to Ireland in 2025, terming them important steps in deepening bilateral ties between the two countries. She added,“Punjab does not see Ireland as just a diplomatic partner, but as a friend.” She opined that Pakistan-Ireland relations would continue to grow stronger in diplomacy, trade, education, culture and people-to-people engagement. She also acknowledged and appreciated the contributions of Pakistani community residing in Ireland, especially in the health and other key sectors.
