ISLAMABAD, NOV 26 (DNA) – Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorovoat the Foreign Office.

The two sides discussed a wide range of regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction at the current state of relations.

The Foreign Minister appreciated the longstanding Pakistan-Italy cooperation in various areas and emphasized the need to diversify and enhance collaboration in bilateral trade, defence and cultural spheres.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the signing of MoU between Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Italian Trade Promotion Agency ICE to enhance trade and establishment of four Centers of Excellence in Pakistan in the fields of marble and mining, leather and denim clothing.

It was also agreed to augment cooperation in tourism and archaeological research sector, particularly through joint ventures to develop mutually identified tourism facilities.