IPLOMATIC relations between Pakistan and Portugal are longstanding, having been established in 1949. The exemplary friendship between the two countries has been predicated on mutual respect and cooperation on a range ofsharedinterests.

Bilateral relations have several dimensions political, trade and investment, education, culture and tourism. Both countries are deeply committed to multilateralism and have cooperated at the UN and other multilateral forums including supporting each other and their candidatures in the elections to important bodies.

Trade is growing and there is significant potential for increasing two-way trade. The number of Pakistani Master`s and PhD students at Portugal`s educational institutions has been increasing in re cent years, especially in the past three years.

The size of the Pakistani diaspora in Portugal has also been increasing and is estimated to be around 20,000 today.

There is great potential for stronger ties, greater economic cooperation and more people-to-people contacts in a friendship built and nourished over the decades. A Pakistan-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group, in both capitals, can play an important role in this endeavor. •