RAWALPINDI, MAR 27 (DNA) – Punjab Minister for Literacy and Informal Basic Education Raja Rashid Hafeez has said that the people of Pakistan and Italy are bound in deep relations of friendship and brotherhood.

These relations are being further strengthened by the cooperation of the people of the two countries in various fields.

He said this while talking to Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Andreas Ferrarese. The Italian ambassador visited the provincial minister’s residence in Satellite Town yesterday and discussed issues of mutual cooperation in the social sector.

Expressing good wishes for Andreas Ferrarese and the people of Italy, the Provincial Minister said that we are grateful for Italy’s support for the development of the social sector and our bilateral cooperation will continue in the future.

On the occasion, the Italian ambassador said that he had visited many cities in Pakistan and found a home-like atmosphere and he does not feel alienated in Pakistan. He said that he wished to see the development and prosperity of the people of Pakistan and want to see Pakistan in the ranks of developed nations.

Later on the Italian ambassador, along with the provincial minister, distributed books and bags among deserving students at the International Community Support Foundation’s office. The event was attended by a large number of teachers and students, including the head of the foundation, Sultan Faiz.

The students presented beautiful colorful programs in front of the guests. The Italian Ambassador appreciated the performance of the children and said that Pakistani students have immense potential. He also lauded the steps taken by the Punjab government to promote education and increase literacy rate. He especially paid homage to Raja Rashid Hafeez and said that considering the diligence with which the provincial minister is working, it can be hoped that the literacy rate of the people in Punjab will soon be reached to 100 percent.

Expressing good wishes from the Italian government and people, Andreas Ferraresesaid he would continue to support efforts to promote education in Pakistan.

 In his address, Raja Rashid Hafeez thanked the Italian Ambassador and said that we are grateful for the cooperation of the Italian Embassy in the field of education.

He also mentioned that the practical steps taken by the Punjab government to increase the literacy rate are result oriented. Minister further said that we are working with missionary spirit to eradicate the darkness of ignorance from our province. Sultan Faiz and other speakers also addressed on the occasion.=DNA

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