PAKISTAN and Portugal have had an exemplary friendship since diplomatic relations were established in 1949.
The bilateral relationship has derived its strength from mutual respect, shared values and cooperation on a wide range of common interests.
The political relationship remains strong. The political con-sultation mechanism is expected to be revitalised with the fourth round of talks to be held in Islamabad later this summer. This might lead to Ministerial level visits.
Relations are multi-dimensional involving trade and investment, culture and tourism. Both countries are deeply committed to multilateralism and have cooperated at the UN and other multilateral forums by supporting each other and their candidatures in elections to important bodies.
Two-way trade is around 220 million dollars but is growing.
Economic relations hold potential in new areas such as agriculture, IT and green energy. Sixty-five per cent of energy in Portugal is sourced from renewables an area Pakistan can learn from.
The number of Pakistani students seeking tertiary education in Portugal has increased in the past few years. The number of postgraduate students in Portugal’s educational institutions has also risen, especially in the last three years.
The size of the Pakistani diaspora has also been increasing in Portugal and is currently estimated at over 50,000. Portugal’s stunning resorts have become a popular destination for Pakistani tourists. Christiano Ronaldo is admired by football fans in Pakistan which underscores how sports can be a key source of soft power.
There is much potential for even stronger ties, greater economic cooperation and more people-to-people contacts in a friendship built andnourished overseven decades.
A Pakistan-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group, in both capitals can play a key role in this endeavor and also foster greater understanding of the national priorities of each side.