ISLAMABAD, May 08 (DNA): The 5th round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Latvia was held in Riga.

Additional Secretary (Europe) Zaheer A. Janjua and Ambassador Janis Mazeiks, Under Secretary of State and Political Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, led their respective delegations.

The two sides undertook a comprehensive review of the bilateral relations and identified areas for future cooperation in political, economic, trade, investment, education and cultural fields.

The Additional Secretary briefed on the political and economic developments in Pakistan, including the strengthening of democracy, emerging economy and efforts aimed at establishing rule of law, good governance, justice and accountability.

He invited Latvian companies to benefit from Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies.

The Additional Secretary briefed the Latvian side on the situation in South Asia, notably the Indian aggression and Pakistan’s measured response as well as steps in support of peace and stability.

He said that Pakistan has consistently worked for military de-escalation, diffusion of tensions, and resumption of dialogue with India to peacefully resolve all outstanding disputes.

In the context of deteriorating situation and gross violations of human rights in the occupied Kashmir, the Additional Secretary urged the Latvian side to take cognizance of these abuses, documented extensively by international organizations, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.=DNA

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