Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for further strengthening Pakistan-Lebanon cooperation, particularly in the fields of internal security, law enforcement, and counter-narcotics. He made these remarks during a meeting with Ahmad Al Hajjar, Minister of Interior and Municipalities of the Lebanese Republic, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari expressed concern over the ongoing instability and hostilities in Lebanon and the broader Middle East, highlighting their humanitarian and security impacts. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity and advocated for diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation, sustainable peace, and dispute resolution through dialogue in line with international law.

President Zardari emphasized the importance of exploring greater cooperation in extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. He also suggested exchanges of expertise in disaster preparedness, emergency response, urban search and rescue, emergency communications, and humanitarian logistics. He expressed hope that this engagement would infuse new energy into Pakistan-Lebanon cooperation and lay a stronger foundation for ongoing collaboration.

Ahmad Al Hajjar acknowledged Pakistan’s support for Lebanon and its role in the region. He underscored the significance of enhancing cooperation between the two countries, especially in security and law enforcement fields.

The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Lebanon to Pakistan Abdulaziz Issa, Major General Raed Abdallah, Director General of Internal Security Forces, Brigadier General Sami Nassif, and Brigadier General Mahmoud Kobrosly. From the Pakistani side, Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Senator Talal Chaudhry, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla were present.