ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan`s desire to further strengthen its cooperative partnership with the European Union, particularly through the continuation of the GSP Plus scheme, which had benefited both sides since its inception.

He was talking to EU Ambassador Dr Riina Kionka, who paid a courtesy call on the premier at Prime Minister`s House.

The prime minister noted that Pakistan and the EU enjoyed cordial and friendly ties and expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in these relations. In addition to discussing various facets of Pakistan-EU ties, including human rights, the PM welcomed the convening of the first-ever Pakistan-EU High Level Business Forum in Islamabad to be held in May and assured the EU Ambassador of Pakistan`s full support and facilitation in making this event successful.

The EU ambassador briefed the prime minister about recent visits by EU delegations to Pakistan as well as the upcoming Pakistan-EU engagements.

At the outset, the prime minister thanked the EU ambassador for expressing condolences after the terrorist attack on Jaffar Express train and conveyed Pakistan`s firm resolve to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country, added a PM Office statement.

Later, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Emin Cohodarevic, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shehbaz.

During the meeting, the prime minister highlighted the warm and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina and fondly recalled former prime minister Nawaz Sharif`s visits to the country, a PM`s Office news release said.

While reaffirming Pakistan`s continued support for Bosnian brothers and sisters, the PM emphasised that there was immense potential to elevate the existing friendly ties to a mutually beneficial economic partnership. He recalled his most warm and productive meeting with Chairperson of Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zeljka Cvijanovic, in Dubai last month on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit.Ambassador Cohodarevic conveyed the best wishes and warm regards of his country`s political leadership to PM Shehbaz. He reaffirmed their strong desire to enhance cooperation between the two countries and briefed the premier about the ongoing efforts, initiatives and proposalsin thisregard.

He also expressed condolences to PM Shehbaz on behalf of the people and government of Bosnia and Herzegovina over the Jaffar Express incident.

Footballer-turned-jalebi seller PM Shehbaz also met football player Muhammad Riaz from Hangu and offered him financial support worth Rs2.5 million along with an employment opportunity.

Taking notice of the financial difficulties faced by the national footballer, whose video of selling funnel cakes (Jalebi) recently went viral, PM Shehbaz invited him to PM House and praised his courage and determination.

`You are the country`s talented player, and we will not let your talent go to waste,` the prime minister said.

He said the youth were a valuable asset to the country, and providing them with all types of facilities and resources for global competitiveness was among the top priorities of the government.

`Youth should actively participate in sports and other healthy activities,` he said, while requesting Mr Riaz to continue playing an active role in promoting football in Pakistan.

The prime minister directed the officials concerned that to provide job to Mr Riaz in his preferred federal department. He also instructed them that national players be provided jobs in government institutions according to their abilities.

While highlighting the need to accelerate efforts for the promotion of sports, PM Shehbaz also said, `A strategy should be formulated for the welfare of players representing Pakistan internationally and to provide them with sustainable employment opportunities.

Mr Riaz thanked the prime minister for the financial assistance and for his efforts towards the welfare of the players and the promotion of sports.

On the occasion, the prime minister presented a Rs2.5m cheque to the player.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ataullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, PM`s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Chairman of the PM`s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, and media coordinator Badar Shehbaz Warraich.