Islamabad: Ambassadors-designate of Cuba, Ethiopia, Portugal, Spain, and Tanzania, along with the High Commissioner-designate of Singapore, presented their credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. The event marked a significant step in bolstering diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation in various sectors between Pakistan and these nations.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari extended his congratulations to the new envoys and expressed optimism that their tenures would lead to strengthened bilateral relations. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in sectors of mutual interest during separate meetings with each envoy.

In his discussion with Cuba’s Ambassador-designate, Mr. Damian Cordero Torres, President Zardari highlighted ongoing cooperation in healthcare and education, and expressed gratitude for Cuba’s past support during the 2005 earthquake. The President also discussed potential collaboration in health, biotechnology, and tourism.

With Ethiopia’s Ambassador-designate, Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba, President Zardari welcomed the establishment of Ethiopia’s Embassy in Islamabad and the resumption of direct flights, focusing on expanding trade, aviation, and educational cooperation.

In his meeting with Portugal’s Ambassador-designate, Mr. Paulo Miguel Guedes Domingues, President Zardari discussed enhancing trade, investment, and IT cooperation, and acknowledged the role of the Pakistani diaspora in strengthening ties.

Addressing Spain’s Ambassador-designate, Mr. Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna, President Zardari noted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and encouraged investment and cooperation in trade and migration, while appreciating Spain’s stance in the Gulf crisis.

The interaction with Tanzania’s Ambassador-designate, Lt. Gen. (R) Yacoub Hassan Mohamed, focused on enhancing trade, investment, and technical cooperation, with an emphasis on business linkages and connectivity.

During the meeting with Singapore’s High Commissioner-designate, Mr. Ishak Bin Ismail, President Zardari discussed collaboration in trade, fintech, and infrastructure, while highlighting the potential for connectivity and cooperation in climate and the digital economy.

The ceremony concluded with a guard of honor for the envoys, who reviewed the parade following the playing of national anthems.