ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (DNA): Pakistan and Spain have expressed satisfaction at the growth of bilateral trade, which crossed US $ 1 billion mark for the fourth consecutive year besides agreeing to take tangible steps to improve mobility of businessmen, students and tourists.

According to Foreign Office announcement, the 4th round of Pakistan-Spain Annual Bilateral Consultations held in Islamabad on Thursday reviewed the current state of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, investment and cultural cooperation.

Consular matters also came under discussion. The two sides agreed to take concrete measures to strengthen cooperation in all spheres, including trade and investment.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua led the Pakistan side, while the Spanish delegation was headed by Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Ildefonso Castro López.

The Foreign Secretary presented an overview of the achievements made by the government including strengthening of democracy, political stability and maturity as well as economic revival and energy security. The successes achieved in the fights against terrorism and implementation of the National Action Plan were also highlighted.

Exchange of views also took place on the UN reforms and it was agreed to further augment cooperation at the international and regional organizations.

Pakistan and Spain closely cooperate in bilateral and multilateral issues. Annual Bilateral Consultations provide a useful platform to review progress in various fields and identify avenues of future cooperation. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Annual Bilateral Consultations in Madrid at mutually convenient dates in 2019.